Langley Community Unites to Support Cancer Care Initiatives

When Candy Foster experienced swelling in her abdomen, her massage therapist alerted her family doctor, who promptly scheduled an ultrasound. Initial suspicions of appendicitis led to Foster’s admission for surgery at Langley Memorial Hospital, where she faced a challenging journey. “Dr. Steve Hansen’s words still ring in my ears: ‘We’re going to get to the bottom of this, and we’re going to figure it out,'” Foster recalls. “That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” This moment marked the beginning of her battle with two types of cancer.

Foster was first diagnosed with colon cancer and had recently completed treatment when she received another devastating diagnosis: breast cancer. “In the end, it was a tougher haul than my first experience, but I am proud to say my last treatment for breast cancer was in June 2019,” she shares. This fall, Foster has joined efforts with the Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation to raise funds for the hospital’s critical needs, including essential medical equipment for diagnosing and treating cancer.

Community Support Transforms Lives

Reflecting on her journey, Foster highlights the profound impact of support from family, friends, and the medical staff at Langley Memorial Hospital. “This journey taught me so much about resilience, faith, and the power of love. Most of all, it opened my eyes to the dedication and compassion of the doctors and nurses at Langley Memorial Hospital,” she states.

To further bolster cancer care, the Fort Langley Lions are matching every dollar donated this season, up to a total of $40,000. This initiative aims to ensure that local medical teams are equipped with the necessary tools to provide the highest level of care, especially as the population grows and the number of medical procedures increases. With contributions from survivors like Foster and local organizations, the community is coming together to ensure that every patient receives the best care when they need it most.

“A decade later, when I look back at the whirlwind journey of my health and recovery, I’m so grateful that I was able to receive care here, close to home,” says Foster, a lifelong resident of Langley, alongside her husband and children. “I am so grateful that the nurses, doctors, and all the caregivers at Langley Memorial were by my side every step of the way.”

Challenges in Fundraising Amid Strikes

As the community navigates challenges such as the Canada Post strike, local charities face significant setbacks during crucial fundraising periods. For the Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation, this translates into potential shortfalls for medical equipment, patient programs, comfort items, and staff education that are essential for providing quality care.

To ensure donations reach the Foundation, individuals can make secure contributions online at LCHHFoundation.com/donate. Donors will receive a tax receipt for the 2025 tax year, helping to support vital initiatives that directly impact patient care in Langley.

The collective effort of the Langley community, exemplified by individuals like Candy Foster and organizations such as the Fort Langley Lions, underscores the importance of coming together to enhance cancer care resources, ensuring that those in need receive the best possible support.