Lorne Miller is used to being on the front lines and witnessing tragedy. But the Calgary firefighter and father of two didn’t expect the ordeal he had to face.
Miller said, “I’ve been on ‘Runway to the Afterlife’ twice now.” “No checked bags, no carry-ons, it’s just you and a one-way ticket to and from here.”
Miller was diagnosed with cancer on May 9, 2021, following the discovery of a cancerous mass approximately the size of a volleyball in Miller’s abdomen.
After surgery and celebrating a year of being cancer-free, she received a heartbreaking call. it’s back.
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“I thought I was clear and hearing that you really weren’t was tough. Your mind goes a million different places, clearly being one of them,” Miller said.
He had another surgery just before Christmas of 2022. He knows how heavy it has taken a toll on those close to him.
“I can handle anything with this disease. I can handle the surgical treatment, I think I can even handle the death but what I can’t handle is the impact and pain it causes other people .. fear and anxiety,” Miller said.
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Lorne Miller after surgery.
Courtesy: Lorne Miller
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Lorne and his family.
Courtesy: Lorne Miller
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Lorne Miller and his 4-year-old son, August.
Jill Croteau / Global News
But he said he feels an obligation to do something beyond his diagnosis. He and his family are featured in a video campaign for Alberta Cancer Foundation,
“It’s heartwarming to share that story and I hope it shows people that you can still live a life of gratitude despite the illness you have.”
“I have learned not to let the worries of tomorrow take away from the joys of today. Every day is a gift and I am lucky to be here and I know it.
“All you can do is give.”
Wendy Bueshen, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, said people living with cancer need to see hope.
“Every day 60 people hear these three words: ‘You have cancer.’
“Stories like Lorne’s show the complexity of the cancer experience. It’s not linear, it’s messy and messy, but it’s also full of love and joy and hope,” said Bushen.
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“I spent a lot of time looking for someone like me with a rare version of cancer who was still alive or alive and thriving, and finally my friend said, ‘You can be that voice for someone else, Miller said.
An anonymous donor has offered up to $25,000 in donations this month to the Alberta Cancer Foundation to help in the fight.
Miller said, “Life is a beautiful and wonderful experience that I want to be a part of.”
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