The McGill University Health Centre is a lifeline for cancer patients

Leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer that disrupts the production of normal blood cells and poses significant challenges for those who face it. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), innovative treatments such as stem cell transplants offer much-needed hope. At the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), groundbreaking cancer research is reshaping what’s possible, and with the support of the MUHC Foundation’s $200-million Dream Big: End Cancer campaign, the goal is loud and clear: strike out cancer as a deadly disease.

For Raymond Cheslock, the MUHC was a lifeline. A proud father of two, he received a devastating leukemia diagnosis in 2019. His initial round of chemotherapy at a hospital near his home in Ottawa failed to induce remission. The aggressive nature of his disease meant his prognosis was poor. As his eldest daughter’s wedding approached, he feared he would not survive to walk her down the aisle. Desperate for another chance, Raymond sought a second opinion at the MUHC. There, he met Dr. Gizelle Popradi, a hematologist specializing in complex cases of blood cancer.

“Mr. Cheslock asked me, ‘Is this really it for me?’” recalls Dr. Popradi. “When we first met, he was very ill and battling a severe fungal infection. Despite these very significant challenges, he showed remarkable strength and determination.” The team at the MUHC discussed his options honestly. Although the path forward was fraught with obstacles, they devised a plan that began with a second round of chemotherapy—which had a lowly 35% chance of success, and devastating side effects.

Despite the statistics, the treatment succeeded in putting him into remission, but this was just the beginning.

For Raymond, remission was only the first step. The likelihood of relapse remained high, and his best chance for a cure was a stem cell transplant. This highly specialized procedure involves replacing a patient’s bone marrow and immune system with healthy donor cells, effectively rebooting the body’s ability to fight cancer. The process began with an intensive search for a compatible donor. Stem cells were eventually located, and on his birthday in May 2020, Raymond received the lifesaving transplant.

“Stem cells are incredible,” explains Dr. Popradi. “They’re smart. Once infused, they know to travel to the bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood cells. Within weeks, we start to see signs of success.” The procedure is complex but offers a promising outcome for patients like Raymond. Unlike solid organ transplants, the risk of rejection is minimal, but precautions must be taken to prevent graft-versus-host disease, a condition where the donor cells attack the recipient’s body. At the MUHC, advances in medication and techniques have significantly reduced the risk of complications, making procedures like Raymond’s more successful than ever before.

Stem cell transplants are just one example of the innovative cancer treatments being pioneered at the MUHC. The Cellular Therapy Laboratory is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, developing therapies that not only combat leukemia but hold promise for treating a wide range of diseases. These advancements are largely made possible by generous donations to the MUHC Foundation, which fund game-changing research. The Dream Big: End Cancer campaign is transforming cancer care, ensuring that patients like Raymond have access to the latest life-saving treatments.

Today, against all odds, Raymond is cancer-free! “Four years after my stem cell therapy, my doctor told me I could put this chapter of my life behind me,” he says. “I can’t say enough about the care I received at the MUHC. When I walk into the hospital, I feel safe. I feel like I’m at home.” Raymond’s successful treatment allowed him to witness his daughter’s wedding and celebrate many more milestones with his family, including his daughter’s entry into medical school.

Dr. Popradi knows that the future is bright, having witnessed a new era in cancer research and care—one marked by innovation and a drive to push scientific boundaries.

“Since my residency, I’ve been amazed by the strides we’ve taken in treating blood cancers. The development of better medications and techniques has changed the landscape entirely. It’s wonderful to see patients not just survive but thrive.”

For Raymond, the dedication of the MUHC team changed everything. “The MUHC gave me a second chance at life,” he shares. “Their care, their expertise, and their compassion were extraordinary. To everyone who donates, thank you—you make innovative cancer treatments possible, and I’m living proof that your generosity saves lives.”

World Cancer Day took place on February 4^th, calling attention to hopeful stories like Raymond’s. They remind us of the importance of investing in research and treatment—because every dollar touches real peoples’ lives.

The MUHC Foundation’s $200-million End Cancer campaign is a bold step toward ending cancer as a deadly disease, giving patients not just hope, but a future.

You can be a part of this new era in cancer research by donating to the MUHC Foundation today: https://muhcfoundation.com/wor...