This episode is in honour of Podcasthon and in support of the Canadian Cancer Society
When facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, how much does communication—between doctors, patients, and loved ones—truly matter?
In this deeply moving episode, Doug Downs sits down with Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko, two men with firsthand experience navigating cancer’s devastating impact.
Tim shares the heartbreaking story of losing both his daughter and wife to cancer, while Pete, currently battling stage 4 liver cancer, discusses the power of resilience and the role of community support.
They dive into the failures and successes of medical communication, the well-meaning but sometimes misguided reactions from friends and family, and how music and simple human connection help them process their grief. This is an emotional and eye-opening conversation about love, loss, and the urgent need for better conversations around cancer.
Watch For
2:00 "Dad I Don't Want to Die"
Tim Kelter describes the heartbreaking moment when his daughter, Carolyn, was told she had cancer.
4:08 The Doctor's Blunt Prognosis to Pete
Pete Paczko shares how a temporary oncologist bluntly told him he should "expect to be dead within 12 to 18 months."
8:34 Tim's Wife, Angela, is Diagnosed with Cancer
Just after losing his daughter, Tim describes the moment his wife, Angela, discovered her own cancer diagnosis.
16:56 How People Respond to Grief and Illness
Both Tim and Pete discuss how people around them responded to their situations, including those who offered unsolicited advice, ghosted them out of discomfort, or genuinely provided support.
Guests: Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko
Listen to the Full Audio Episode https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/episodes/
