Story by Kerri Robins; Photo by John Gorman
For John Gorman, watching his twin brother Mike’s uphill battle against cancer gave him plenty of motivation to climb Africa’s highest peak — Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — to raise almost $70,000 for the Calgary Health Trust.
“Mike’s a great role model to me and the rest of the family,” says John, 49, who made the ascent accompanied by his wife, Gioconda. “His perseverance is incredible, but above all, he’s taught me not to sweat the small stuff.”
Mike Gorman was first diagnosed with a cancerous rectal tumour in 1997 and underwent surgery to remove the tumour. Unfortunately, however, because the cancer had spread, he also required additional surgeries to remove most of his colon as well as bladder-cancer surgery. Doctors removed his bladder and took parts of his small intestine to create a neo-bladder. He’s also had his prostate removed, and endured numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments between 1997 and 2010.
“I took a psychological beating when I was first diagnosed and was faced with radiation and chemotherapy treatments,” says Mike. “But it’s all about attitude — more people have cried over me than I’ve cried for myself.”
For brother John, Mike’s battle wasn’t just about attitude — but altitude.
John knew he wanted to raise money on behalf of the Calgary Health Trust for the Rockyview General Hospital — where his brother spent a lot of time — and decided to join a 26-person team that planned to hike the 5,895 metres of Mount Kilimanjaro last September.
The team was made up of Calgary health care workers and Calgary Health Trust staff, John and Gioconda, and one of John’s colleagues at Halliburton. Part of a larger group hiking the mountain, their gruelling climb began Sept. 30, and all 26 people on the team reached the mountain’s summit at 7:35 a.m. the following month, on Oct. 6.
“Gio and I used social media to bet the rest of the climbers combined that we could raise more than them in a 24-hour period,” John says, then laughs. “If we lost, I was buying a night out for everyone.”
Up for the challenge, John and Gio won the wager by raising almost $50,000 in one day. By the time the couple boarded the jet for Tanzania, they’d raised almost $70,000, making the health trust the real winner.
As a group, the climbers raised more than $400,000 on behalf of the health trust.
Their effort and support inspired Jill Olynyk, CEO of Calgary Health Trust.
“It was amazing to see the community come together, not only in support of our climbers, but in support of the Rockyview Hospital as well,” says Olynyk. “We are fortunate that our climbers are so passionate about making a difference to health care. We’re incredibly proud that that common thread was instrumental in helping all 26 reach the top.
“It’s because of people like our climbers and their fundraising efforts that we’re able to have a great impact on health care for our city.”
Such support has also proven key for Mike, who’s been cancer-free since 2010.
“My family, and especially my daughters, have been a source of inspiration and support to me, and I wouldn’t have lasted as long as I have without them,” says Mike. “I keep the future and my family in mind for the most part, but the nights are the hardest because that’s when you start worrying.”
Dr. Laura Calhoun, psychiatrist and Provincial Senior Medical Director, with Addiction & Mental Health in Alberta Health Services, says she understands that worry and emphasizes that a strong support system is key during demanding times.
“Positive mental health is a crucial part in the treatment of cancer, and everyone has a different journey using different coping strategies,” says Calhoun. “How we cope plays a huge role on how we go through the treatment process and healing or recovery — as well as coming to terms with the situation.
“Social support is helpful for people so they don’t have to face their fears alone — and a cancer diagnosis creates perhaps the biggest fear — the unknown.”
As for Mike, meeting the unknown head-on is all in a day’s work.
“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was about 285 pounds,” he says. “I knew I needed to get into better physical shape to see my twins grow up. It was my high school dream to race in an Ironman competition. So I got over my mental roadblocks with my cancer, started training, lost the weight and raced in my first Ironman in 2004.
Since then, Mike — who now weighs 200 pounds — has raced in more than 50 triathlons, eight which were Ironman competitions. His determination has inspired his brother to race as well and he’s now completed five Ironman events.
“It’s all about moving forward,” adds Mike. “Because there isn’t a moment to waste in this life.”
For information, please visit calgaryhealthtrust.ca.
