Jerry Schaab

He wouldn't want to be called a hero. He wouldn't want the attention. He would want you to know, however, about his journey with blood cancer.

His message was simple: never give up.

Jerry Schaab was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2011 while being treated for prostate cancer. Although the prostate cancer was successfully removed, he soon began a new battle with C-L-L, or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

He underwent chemotherapy and attended education sessions to better understand his diagnosis. Cancer isn't just something you know about.

In 2014, Jerry walked the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada's Light The Night at Stanley Park with his family. Today, they continue participating in his memory.

In 2015, Jerry developed severe, unexplained sweating. After multiple hospital stays in Surrey, he was transferred to St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Doctors still couldn't determine the cause, and his condition continued to worsen.

He was given only weeks to live.

Family members travelled from Alberta and Saskatchewan to be by his side, giving him strength and reminding him of the message that defined his journey: never give up.

Doctors eventually discovered a second blood cancer: Hodgkin Lymphoma. Treatment began immediately, but one of the medications severely damaged his lungs. He was later diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis as a result of the treatment.

After spending three months in hospital, Jerry returned home just before Christmas in 2015.

The illness had taken an enormous toll. He had lost significant weight and had to relearn how to walk. Even so, he exercised in bed with stretch bands, determined to regain his strength.

Jerry also connected with others in the blood cancer community, participated in clinical drug trials, explored natural therapies, and continued searching for every possible opportunity to improve his health.

He never gave up.

Once again, family travelled from Alberta and Saskatchewan to be with him. Their presence gave him strength, and he was eventually released from the ICU. But there was little left for him to fight with.

Two days after celebrating his 70th birthday, Jerry passed away. His family is grateful they were able to share one final birthday together, even if it was in a hospital room.

Before he passed, his family asked him, “which charity should we support in your memory?” He said the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Today, family members raise money for LLSC in memory of Jerry through #31in31FightsCancer — 31 new experiences in 31 days.

Jerry never gave up.

Neither will we.