Nick and Lori Matheson are this year’s honorary Telethon Chairs for the IWK Telethon for Children. Eight years ago, their daughter Maryn was diagnosed with liver cancer at the tender age of two.
Nick Matheson and his daughter, Maryn.
It has been eight years since we first awoke to the nightmare of childhood cancer and it seems like Maryn’s wonderful story of recovery has been told far and wide. It is, of course, a story that we are happy to share to thank those who made it possible, to raise awareness of the challenges kids and families face, and to increase support for the medical advances that make miracles happen.
As we celebrate Maryn’s health, we are also acutely aware of the many kids who have not been as fortunate. When Lori and I were asked to be honorary co-chairs of this year’s Telethon, my one hesitation was knowing that there are so many other stories out there to be told. We acknowledge that many, many people in our community – and beyond – have been touched by the IWK and hope to also honor your stories in sharing our own.
Those long days on the oncology floor, worried-filled nights at Ronald McDonald House, and heart-in-the-throat hours outside an operating room, were endured through contact with other patient families. There’s no secret handshake, but there is definitely a deep and meaningful connection with parents who have walked a similar path. While many people say they can’t imagine what it would be like for their child to be sick, every parent whose child needs the IWK knows the reality all too well. Truth be told, there are days that it is overwhelming. In my experience, it was not so much dealing with Maryn’s illness as sometimes feeling crushed by the endless demand for help and healing. Seeing kids suffer seems so unfair. I recall almost shutting down to some of the tragic circumstances we encountered. When we returned from Ontario where Maryn had her transplant, I was completely disheartened that the entire oncology unit was full and that the names and faces were mostly unfamiliar to me. Somehow I thought that Maryn’s recovery might be a victory against cancer. It was clear, however, that the battle continued. The doctors, nurses, researchers, administrators, maintenance teams, and so on, who wage this war day in and day out are heroic and truly worthy of support. Amazing developments in patient care and cures are happening daily. Gratitude and hope are great motivators.
What could be move motivating than seeing a child hooked up to an IV pole dancing on her bed or riding his skateboard down the hall? What could be more moving than a girl with a big bright smile and even brighter hair beaming with joy at feeling sunshine on her face? Kids never give up. They accept what comes and roll with the punches. When they fall, they get back up and keep going. Sure, they need love and support and guidance, but their resilience holds lessons for us all. They live in the now. Even if it sucks, they know it won’t last forever and they are always ready to surf the next wave.
This week, the wave we have been riding all year toward Telethon reaches its peak. Our entire family is so pleased to have the opportunity to participate and give back in some small way. We’ve felt honored to speak on behalf of families at various events and realize how personal connections express thanks and inspire sharing. The IWK is so much more than a hospital to us. It is a huge part of the fabric of our family. It is a symbol of all the good that can come from adversity and all the people who have helped along the way. We hope you will join us in celebrating the many stories of trial and triumph this weekend. Please share your own and let everyone know what the IWK means to you.
The Matheson Family
The IWK Telethon for Children is June 2 & 3, 2012 broadcasting live on CTV Atlantic.
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