Glorianne Engel Stotland Legacy Fund

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you know, I have embarked on a new chapter in my life to raise awareness and funds in honour of my late wife Glorianne, whose life was cut short by cancer. I am writing to you to support my effort to accomplish my goals because Glorianne was and will always be in my heart a beloved and inspirational woman.

Glorianne was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2016. The entire Stotland/Engel family was in total shock. We consulted with Dr. David Mulder, who took the lead regarding her care. Dr. Lorenzo Ferri removed the primary tumour in her lung successfully, but the cancer had metastasized throughout her body. Once we left the compassionate surgical care at the Montreal General Hospital, Glorianne was followed at the Cedars Cancer Centre at the Glen site of the McGill University Health Centre for her medical and radiation oncology. The remarkable team at Cedars took over with Dr. Scott Owen administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy for 18 months, combined with radiotherapy under the guidance of Dr. Neil Kopek. The Cedars Cancer Centre became our second home during this heart-wrenching journey. Glorianne was initially given 6 months to live; she extended her life by 12 months with her determination and the wonderful care and treatment she received at the Cedars Cancer Centre.

Glorianne never once complained that she was angry about her situation, but she was scared of the unknown, despite being surrounded by the love of family and friends. As the primary caregiver, I witnessed the courage and bravery she exemplified every day trying to deal with this disease. She was amazing, doing everything she could do to stay alive for her loving family.

Glorianne was a real trooper and she has passed on her determination to me. I feel compelled to give back so that other people and families can be spared from experiencing the pain and the suffering that we experienced together, and the profound loss after her passing.

That’s the reason why I am presently working with the Cedars Cancer Foundation to raise $1 million over the next 3 years to support the state-of-the-art radiation oncology unit and help other patients beat this horrible cancer. I hope that I can achieve this goal with your help.

Again, I am very grateful for your consideration of a leadership gift to the Glorianne Engel Stotland Legacy Fund at Cedars and in helping me to raise awareness about this important need.

With much appreciation,
Steve Stotland