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Chris Steel
1935 – 1999
Submitted by: Janet Steffan

My father was diagnosed with upper palette mouth cancer in late Fall 1997. He underwent surgery to remove the tumour in February 1998. The surgery was successful. Dad had to get used to a prosthetic palette but he carried on without complaint, he had his life. Dad and Mom loved to travel and that September went to England and France on a holiday. Dad was not feeling well overseas and when they returned he went to the doctor. The cancer was back. He went through six weeks of radiation to his face, not a very pleasant experience. By February of 1999 the doctors told him there was nothing more they could do. The cancer was still progressing. Dad was in and out of the hospital for the next month. He ended up in palliative care and then decided what he really wanted was to be at home. It was a difficult decision for our family as it involved so much work, not only from us but from other caregivers. The decision was the right thing to do. We all grew up in a house filled with love. My Dad died with his family around him, filled with love. He passed away March 20, 1999.
Now I think of my Dad traveling in the afterlife. My two brothers and I and our children miss him terribly. My Mom has a huge hole in her life, they were together since they were 16 years old. They shared a love like a precious gem, rare and everlasting. Even though his life was cut short we all believe, as he did, that he had a great life and accomplished many things. He seized the moment and gave so much of himself to all of us. The love we all shared and the memories we have to hold on keep us all going.

Thank you for this opportunity and dedication to my Dad. Love continues on and does not conquer the spirit. Love, strength, courage and research will eradicate cancer.