A true home-away-from-home.

That’s how cancer survivor Terry Gasior describes his 20-day stay at the Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in 2021.

“Being able to stay somewhere close to the cancer centre made that challenging time in my life so much easier,” said Terry.

Terry lives in Eston, Saskatchewan with his partner, Cassie. He is a former sailor and a retired schoolteacher. Even though he has been retired for 15 years, Terry and Cassie are always busy with family and friends, making memories and enjoying life in rural Saskatchewan.

But in 2021, everything changed.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis brought uncertainty, fear, and the challenge of travelling more than 200 kilometres to Saskatoon for treatment.

“It was a really hard time for me and my family, so I was grateful to have the option of staying at the Cancer Patient Lodge while I was in Saskatoon for treatment.”

After long days of treatment, Terry simply did not have the energy to make the drive home each night. Instead, the Lodge gave him a safe, welcoming place to rest and recover, just minutes from the cancer centre.

“Everyone was so friendly, caring, understanding, and supportive and always found a way to meet my needs.”

Whether it was offering helpful advice, sharing encouraging words, or simply taking time to listen, the staff helped ease the loneliness and isolation that can come with cancer treatment.

“Being able to connect with them and other patients made me feel much less lonely,” said Terry. “I really felt like I was a part of their family.

One small gesture stood out to him in particular.

“It also impressed me that all the staff knew my name. That personal touch meant a lot to me and really made me feel welcome.”

On weekends, Terry was able to return home to spend time with Cassie and his family, something he says helped lift his spirits throughout treatment.

So, while his road to recovery was not always easy, he says his journey includes a lot of warm memories thanks to the home-away-from-home offered at the lodge.

“I am forever thankful and grateful for each and every one of the workers at the lodge. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”