Like most people, Gavin had never heard of Cholangiocarcinoma until his Dad was diagnosed with it in the summer of 2008. Gavin clearly remembers the day of diagnosis and how devastating it was - “like getting hit in the head with a cricket bat,” he recalls. Having a loved one receive a terminal diagnosis of an unheard of disease is shocking.
Immediately Gavin went online to begin research for his Dad. He discovered the Foundation that summer. Gavin remembers how difficult it was to navigate through an internet awash with mountains of inaccurate information, and quickly realized the Foundation gave him a place to seek help and get answers. He found the Discussion Board, shared his Dad’s situation and asked loads of questions. While no one had all the answers, he felt supported within this online community and knew others were rooting for his Dad, and for him.
Because of his personal experience with the support and encouragement, Gavin has felt a passion to help others in the same shoes. For nearly ten years, Gavin has paid it forward. He has given hope to patients, caregivers, friends and family members. Gavin has spent hundreds of hours reading, researching, and posting current research to the discussion boards all in hopes of benefiting someone else who suffers. He volunteers out of his true concern for others and hopes to lighten the load of the really tough times he knows others face. Gavin volunteers so that others will never have to feel alone!
The Foundation would like to thank Gavin for his kindness, compassion, dedication and talents. It is a great honor and privilege to recognize Gavin Strachan as the Volunteer of the Month!
