One Family’s Cancer Journey Sparks a Lifelong Mission to Give Back

Cancer has hit close to home for Margaret Fraser many times over the years: her grandmother passed away from lung cancer in 1948; her mother from a rare uterine cancer at age 69; and her husband, Colin, faced prostate cancer just as the North Vancouver couple celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary.

But it was back in the ’80s when Margaret’s nephew, Ian, was diagnosed with childhood leukemia, at just two years old, that she really realized how invaluable donations are in advancing life-saving care.

“His doctors kept saying, ‘If we can keep him alive for four years the research will have improved so much,’” says Margaret, who is happy to report Ian is now 40 with two kids of his own.

“At the end of the day, research is what is going to help us all. I think there’s an assumption among the public that the government funds health care, but they can’t possibly cover it all — especially when it comes to research,” says Margaret.

Margaret and Colin, who is healthy ten year’s post diagnosis, regularly donate to the BC Cancer Foundation to help fuel BC Cancer research. But after Margaret was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2021, they made plans for a future investment through a gift in their will.

“Being philanthropic doesn’t mean you have to be wealthy. I probably won’t be leaving millions,” laughs Margaret. “But having worked in the nonprofit charitable sector most of my life I’m very aware of what a small amount of money can do. I also appreciate how much good work is done through the generosity of others.”

Originally from Scotland, Margaret has lived in four provinces during her 40 years in Canada but was incredibly grateful to have completed her radiation and chemotherapy treatments at BC Cancer – Vancouver.

“When you are so vulnerable you need to have confidence that the person treating you has the best equipment available to them and has empathy for you and your family. I was lucky I had that experience.”

Leaving a legacy gift to the BC Cancer Foundation is the best way I can give back, she says. She also hopes speaking about her own cancer journey will inspire others to open up, advocate for themselves and others facing the disease, and become part of the solution.

“When I was diagnosed everybody knew about it. It’s amazing what people will share when you start telling them your story. There are very few of us who will go through life without having a friend or loved one stolen from us by this dreaded disease. By donating we know that in the future, families will benefit from something small we did that will mean a world of difference to them.”