For nearly 50 years, Don and Karen have been partners in life, navigating its highs and lows together. But in 2020, their bond was tested in a way they never expected. Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer. What followed was a journey of resilience and unwavering support that brought them closer than ever.
Don, a fit and active man, had been keeping an eye on his PSA levels when he noticed they were rising. Karen, who has a background in health and fitness, initially reassured herself that everything would be okay because of Don’s strong health. But when his diagnosis was confirmed, her concern deepened. She knew from experience with family and friends that cancer wasn’t something to take lightly. More than ever, she believed in the importance of being proactive, and she urged Don to take action quickly.
From the start, Karen was determined to face this battle together. She encouraged Don to be diligent about his PSA testing and follow-ups. Her intuition proved vital, when Don was scheduled to wait six months for his next PSA test, Karen had a bad feeling about the delay and urged him to go sooner. That decision changed everything. In January 2021, just days after testing, Don was scheduled for surgery. His doctors discovered that the cancer had burst through his prostate but had not yet spread. Had he waited, the outcome could have been very different.
Don is the first to admit that Karen’s persistence likely saved his life. While he tends to be more laid back, Karen is proactive and asked a lot of questions. She accompanied him to every doctor’s visit, ensuring he had the information he needed to make the best decision for his body. Ultimately, she supported whatever choice he made but wanted him to be well-informed.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Following Don’s surgery, Karen wanted to help as much as possible but knew that he valued his independence. She gave him the space to recover while still being there when he needed her. The first-year post-surgery was especially difficult as Don adjusted to the changes that came with a prostatectomy. Karen admits that it was a tough time for their relationship, there were moments of tension and strain.
At times, Karen leaned on friends and family for support, worried about what the future held. She says it took almost two years for Don to fully accept the side effects of his surgery and let go of the frustration that had weighed on him. But when he did, she felt an immense relief—her old Don was coming back.
Today, nearly five years later, Don remains healthy, and cancer is no longer a constant worry. Karen credits their strong foundation of love and understanding for helping them get through the toughest moments. She firmly believes that while no one knows what the future holds, taking care of yourself and maintaining a positive mindset is the best way forward. She doesn’t dwell on negative thoughts about cancer because, as she says, they don’t serve us.
Don now works with the Prostate Cancer Centre, advocating for early detection and encouraging men to get checked. Karen, who was recently named one of the top 25 fitness instructors in Canada, continues to inspire others to take control of their health. Together, they share their story to remind others that with love, resilience, and a little bit of humor—even in the form of freshly baked brownies—there’s always a way forward.