News & stories, Finding healing through philanthropy
November 2023
How a local mom turned a scary diagnosis into a way to give back.
Megan Parkhill is known as “the mom who loves Halloween.” And for giving out the best Halloween treats.
And this fall, we were amazed by this kind-hearted mom who found a way to turn her appreciation for the care she received into an opportunity to give back and help more patients get the “treat”ment they need to beat cancer.
It was around Halloween 2022 when Megan heard the frightening news that she had breast cancer. She was just about to turn 36 years old.
“When I first found the lump, it was a busy time of year,” Megan said. “I thought, oh, I’m not too concerned. I’ll put off getting it checked.”
But then she thought of her uncle, David. He had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his spine.
“I realized I couldn’t take a chance. I’m a mom to 4 young kids. There’s a history of cancer in my family. So, I called my doctor right away,” Megan said.
What followed was what Megan described as “one of the scariest times of my life.”
“Battling breast cancer this past year has been quite the journey of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapies,” Megan said.
A tradition of gratitude
For Megan, family traditions — like her beloved Halloween — mean everything. She’s so grateful for more time to celebrate these cherished traditions with her loved ones.
And, as an expression of thanks, Megan wanted to give back to the medical professionals who took such good care of her during her battle with cancer.
“Gratitude has been a huge force for me during my healing journey,” Megan said. “When you first get a cancer diagnosis, it’s scary. There are so many unknowns. But our oncology department really comes together to help make you feel safe and cared for.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about our oncology department here in Saint John,” Megan added.
So, for Halloween this year, she cooked up a spooktacular idea:
- She combined a mixture of October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Mixed in a large dollop of her favourite Halloween flavours
- Stirred in a dash of raising awareness for the importance of self-breast exams
- And sprinkled in the spice of her own battle with cancer
Then, she added what we think is the most special ingredient: an ask to her local community to support the Saint John Regional Hospital oncology department.
The result was her Halloween-themed fundraiser: Boobees for a Cause.
virtue of living a culture of philanthropy – neighbours, friends and family were inspired by Megan’s desire to give back – and came together to support the cause.
A community of caring
Megan’s Halloween fundraiser brought in $2,285 for the oncology department at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Plus, she inspired a whole community of supporters through her selfless generosity — many of whom were moved to make their first-ever gift to support our hospital.
Remarkable people like Megan — and like you — are a source of hope, comfort, and connection for those who need it most.
You show us the power of working together for a greater good, and the impact that individuals can have. Your compassion inspires us.
Funds to support oncology programs
Megan’s generosity will go to support oncology programs and support for patients and their families.
Comforts that she experienced during her treatment, like the Paxman scalp-cooling system, are one of those comforts.
Scalp-cooling technology helps reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. It cools the scalp, which constricts scalp blood vessels, so less chemo drug will reach the hair cells.
This system was recently introduced in New Brunswick thanks to generous donors. As you can imagine, this innovative treatment has numerous benefits for patients — women and men alike.
“Not losing my hair was a big relief for me,” Megan said. “It made it easier on my kids. Yes, I had cancer, but I still looked like their mommy.”
With the help of thoughtful people like Megan — and caring people like you — the oncology team can continue to deliver exceptional, innovative treatments like this to patients from all over New Brunswick.
If you are inspired by Megan’s story and have an idea for a fundraiser to support your hospital, we’d love to hear from you.
