Stephanie Kelly – The Aquinian –
It’s been nine years since one word changed the Walker’s lives forever.
Cancer.
Caroline and Julian Walker’s son, David, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2001 at the age of 17.
He saw an optometrist after experiencing headaches and visions problems.
David was told he had pressure on his brain and was rushed to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.
Within 24 hours, he was in Saint John, undergoing a major operation to remove a brain tumour.
After their son’s diagnosis, the Walkers immediately began researching the disease.
“I think it takes everybody by surprise,” said Caroline. “You hear so much about cancer, but to actually be a patient or have a child who’s a patient is very hard.”
After watching David battle with cancer and chemotherapy for nine years, Caroline Walker was motivated to help brain tumour patients and their families.
She became involved with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Caroline attended a Town Hall meeting, which was held to gather volunteers and to determine the city’s level of interest in starting a support group.
It was here that she assumed the position of volunteer convener. Caroline represents the family aspect of the support group.
She works alongside facilitator Brenda Garnett, who deals with the medical aspect.
There were 27 people at the first meeting.
Caroline describes Fredericton’s brain tumour support group as a place for patients and their families to network and to support one another.
“It’s very enriching to see these people who’ve been really dealing with this illness, some of them for a long time, and how much they have to offer,” she said.
When asked what the group meant to her as a mother, Caroline said she feels she is learning and growing from the experience.
“In a funny kind of way, when you go through a really serious illness or experience like this, you come through on the other side as a better person,“ she said, “I feel like a fuller person and a richer person.”
David underwent another brain surgery in December.
He is now recovering in Vancouver, where he goes to carpentry school.
The Walkers encourage cancer patients to look forward as David does.
“His cure is really to live a rich life, and he does” said Julian.
The support group meets every second Tuesday at the Stan Cassidy Center on Priestman Street.
