Gail McCrimmon, second from left, is one of the 2016 Touchdown for Dreams recipients. Photo courtesy Cameco.
Cameco Touchdown for Dreams recipient Gail McCrimmon doesn’t get emotional when talking about what it’s like living with Stage 4 colon cancer, but it’s hard for her to talk about her husband Glenn’s support without getting choked up.
“He’s been an absolute rock for me. I couldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have him,” she said, having to pause to gather herself when speaking over the phone on Friday.
Gail is from Meadow Lake and is one of the seven recipients of the Touchdown for Dreams 2016 who were announced in a media event on Friday.
She was diagnosed with cancer in October of last year, which came as a surprise that came soon after finishing nursing school.
Now, the cancer has spread to her liver and can’t be treated by radiation.
Gail is combatting the seriousness of the illness by keeping her mindset strong with meditation, reiki, yoga, and other activities.
When Gail feels down, Glenn is there.
“He’s so positive and when I get into my head and I think that I can’t fight anymore and that I should just give up, he’s always there pushing me. Like, ‘you gotta fight or the kids, and you gotta fight’ – for him and for myself – because I’ve got a lot left to give,” Gail said.
Gail’s Touchdown for Dreams request for new leather seating as a 25th anniversary gift for her husband, is a strong contrast to the wishes of the other women.
Turnor Lake woman Marth Moberly will take in an NHL game, thanks to the Cameco, Roughrider, and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency partnership. The other women’s wishes include a B.C. whale watching trip, Mediterranean Cruise, motorcycle trip through the Maritimes, and an Alaskan cruise.
Gail says a trip lasts a week or so, but the memories made spending time with her family on the new furniture will last much longer.
“Trips are a one-time thing,” she said. “To me, spending time with my family and being at home is the world to me. So that’s why it was a very modest request that I had.”
She has four adult children – Eric, Kory, Jon and Lisa – who were able to visit for Thanksgiving.
The Roughrider game on Saturday will feature special Cameco Touchdown for Dreams/Roughrider-branded pink scarves for sale for $20, with all proceeds going towards the program.