My AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) Journey

By Terry Thorne

In honour of all the Staff at 8A & 8 BMT, Victoria Bldg, QEII

In conjunction with Terry‘s personal fundraising efforts, Terry’s family and friends are committed to meeting and exceeding his original fundraising goal of $50,000 as Team “Jellybean” (Terry’s youthful nickname) in the 2021 Ride for Cancer. You can contribute directly to Terry’s efforts on this page, or Team Jellybean here:  https://fundraise.yourrideforcancer.ca/fundraisers/jellybean .


Shocking how quickly life can change. Except for Covid-19 everything was going great. Our three children settled, 2 loving and happy grand-daughters, a new grand-child on the way, a loving marriage of 40+ years and summer had arrived.

Thursday, June 25, 2020 I played golf with some of my best buddies, had a beer and planned a golf trip for 4 couples to head to Cabot Links the following Tuesday. I arrived home to Linda and Leah playing in the yard. The three of us sat down to dinner. My appetite was gone. Not feeling well, I went to bed. Friday morning I felt like I had the flu but also realized Covid-19 was around. Not a great scenario!

If I had Covid, Michael, Shannon (expecting in December), Leah and their dog could not head out on their cross Canada drive to settle in Vancouver, BC for Michael's one year fellowship assignment. ( Not to mention our golf trip would be cancelled as friends would need to isolate as well).

My Covid test came back negative so none of my close contacts were affected. I didn't go to the going away party and did not get to say my goodbyes to my son and family. They left Nova Scotia thinking Dad had the flu.

By Canada Day, Linda and I felt this flu was going on a little too long so I went to the Emergency Room at The Infirmary. Little did we know, our lives would change forever.

Wednesday at the Emergency Room, Thursday confirmed AML, and Friday admitted into 8A and started much needed treatments to save my life from this very aggressive form of Leukemia. Thank heavens for the quick and flawless intervention from the QEII healthcare system and the highly trained specialists on 8A & 8BMT that helped me.

This is why I want to support this group in a meaningful way. I am asking for your help and support to make this a reality.

When you enter this treatment protocol you leave behind everything familiar to you . You immediately sense the compassion, kindness and generosity of those who are caring for you. As well, you quickly realize the competence and skill of what I consider a world class team of caregivers.

The doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and support workers all work as a team. There is a real sense of family within this unit and you realize it very quickly.  From my initial Chemo treatment on July 3rd until now, where I am  Day + 61 since my bone marrow transplant, I have spent about 65 days in hospital. You get to know your caregivers and appreciate the consistent level of care you receive from this team. As importantly, you understand the sense of family bond created by this very special and specialized team of caregivers.

I know the money raised will not affect the warmth, compassion, committment or competence I received from the staff on 8A & 8 BMT. What I really want is to improve their capacity as caregivers by upgrading some of the many pieces of medical equipment they require daily to carry on in the most effective manner possible.

Please join me in supporting this specialized care and the people who so passionately and competently provide it, on 8A & 8BMT - the hematology and bone transplant area of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

I will provide blogs to fill in more details of my Journey as I continue on this path but for now I want to launch this campaign in the hopes that we can raise some much needed funds. 

I know many of us want to know where our support will go and the impact that it will have. I am working with the QEII Foundation and the cancer care team including the staff of 8A &   8BMT to define some specific items and I will share those details with you as they become available. It can take a little bit of time to get the exact details and the 'I's dotted and 't's crossed but I am confident that when the funds are here for them, they will put this support to good use.

My Blogs

Celebration of Life

Wednesday 1st Sep
We were able finally to hold Terry’s celebration of life on August 28. It was a glorious day with friends, family and lots of love and memories. He will be in our hearts forever. ❤️

My Personal Blog

Thursday 18th Mar
Read more about my story on my personal blog by copying and pasting this link into your browser: 

myamljourney.blog

Thank you for your support

$52

Ed and Ann Jeffrey

$100

Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited

$1.5k

Terry’s Journey golf Tournament

$50

Amanda Hatt

To all the starfish.

$750

Terrapure Environmental

$16.19k

Terry's Journey Memorial Golf Tournament

$104

Gary & Joan Hilton

Our thoughts are with you Linda and your family.

$100

Elizabeth Doucette

Dear Linda, The love, compassion and twinkle that Terry shared with all who have known him will live on. My deepest condolences.

$250

Ian and Amanda Morrison

In honour of Vicki Burrell

$104

David Bailey

So sorry to hear of your loss.

$250

Paul and Liz Meier

So sorry you lost your battle. You and your family have been and still are an inspiration to many.

$100

Fay Colwell

$100

John Colwell

Terry was always a special friend to me, since we were ten.

$500

Clark & Isabelle

He will be missed.

$260

Steve& Karen Durrell

$52

Philippe & Marianne Lebel

With our condolences for your loss.

$26

Anonymous

$1.52k

Paul & Lorraine Campbell

Our hearts and condolences go out to Linda and family at the loss of Terry on March 22nd. He always had an upbeat view of life and will be missed by all who knew him. Love Lorraine and Paul

$104

Peter Brooks

$515

Keith Bowman

$52

Gail Samaan

$104

Joe and Annette Moniz

You fought the good fight, Terry. You inspired others with your positive attitude and are still continuing to help others. Rest In Peace, Friend. Until we meet again. xo

$25

Cathy & Terry Hutchinson

$250

Derek and Susan Purchase

$104

Chuck Maxner

$50

John and Darlene Moniz

Such a beautiful spirit. He will be great.y missed. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.

$52

James Clune

Please accept my condolences on your loss. Terry will be greatly missed at Lakewood National Golf Club. One of the happiest people I have ever met.

$104

Ralph Yeomans

$52

Peter MacWilliam

$1,000

George and Margie Waye

In the memory of Terry Thorne, Jim Enman and Elaine Clark ... three friends who received exemplary, compassionate, and kind care from the 8A and 8 BMT entire team. We thank you

$26

Tina Olsen

$52

Ben and Jennifer Brott

$52

Fred Popowich

$100

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

$104

Jim and Kate Coseo

You will be forever missed and always remembered our sweet friend.....

$260

Tom and Nancy Creamer

$104

Donna & Victor Stanhope

$100

Pat and Doug Trecartin

$1,000

Rhonda English

I had the honour and pleasure of meeting Terry when I worked at Lombard Insurance. He was a great business partner, had a huge heart and always a ready smile. RIP Terry.

$104

Blair&Barb MacDonald

$312

Alison and Boris Pavlin

Terry was the greatest of guys and we fondly remember all of the amazing times we had with him and Linda. We are so sorry to know that he is no longer in this world but know that he has left a permanent mark. With much love and deep condolences, Alison and Boris

$25

Anonymous

In memory of Terry

$260

Wendy and Hans Klohn

$27

Margo Yeomans

You touched everyone in such a positive way -- your love will live on.

$25

John & Pat Taylor

Deepest sympathies from the Taylor family in Saint John

$52

Jim and Gayle Lavigne

RIP Terry!😥

$104

Lloyd and Sheila Foote

Thank you for the memories - - a life too short for such a wonderful man.

$52

Steven M Keating

$104

Beth

$104

gordon organ

Thinking of you always.

$104

Dave and Marilyn Foley

$104

John Kerrigan

Very saddened to hear the past weeks news.

$26

Doug and Heather Heather Crowley

$100

Daryl and Sharon Wilson

$260

Jack and Irene Christie

Our condolences to Terry's family.

$104

Tim Curry

Sincere condolences to Linda & family. Tim & Colleen Curry

$52

Carolyn James & Wanda Murphy

Condolences to the Thorne family and in memory of Terry.

$260

Glenn & Sharon Josselyn

$50

Brenda Grantham

$52

Jamie and Carol Flower

$100

Jan Stanford

Terry, I know that you will still be cheering us on to finding a cure.

$104

Irene Flower

$260

Anonymous

With you all the way, Terry!! ❤️ - The Raju Family

$1,000

Bert & Shari Frizzell Family Foundation

$104

Greta Wilson

Hi Terry and Linda, I had no idea you were sick. Saw your name in the ‘pray for’ section of our church bulletin, so checked with the office. I am so very sorry to hear this, but know you can do it!!! Get better soon!

$26

Jessica

Thank you, Terry & Linda. Your efforts to give back in such a meaningful way, and especially while you navigate this new terrain, remind me about the power of community, connection, and collaboration. Sending all my best.

$156

Chris Cowper-Smith

❤️

$52

Suzy Short

$26

Blake MacPherson

$26

Corinne

Terry and Linda I know the support system you have surrounding you lift you up and give you the strength you need. I'm thinking of you both as you slay this beast! Sending much love.

$26

Tish Taylor

Hey Terry & Linda! I had no idea you were struggling with this disease, Terry. I hope day 100 comes soon and you will recover completely. Tish from FHG

$52

Jude Flower

$515

bob owens & carol owens

Hi Terry and Linda - Carol and I are happy to hear your treatment is helping . Our thoughts are with you during these challenging times .

$104

Daniele and David Hart

$260

Pierre & Lise Meagher

Thanks for sharing your story and happy to hear of your successful treatment and great recovery.Glad to join You & Linda in your support for a great cause.Best wishes always in 2021 & Beyond!

$100

Tim Thorne

$250

Patrick O'Regan

Thanks Terry. So happy to hear you're doing so well

$100

JOHN W ALLEN

$104

Pam, Scott, Ethan and Kaley Morgan

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery !!

$104

Grant & Karen Baldwin

Inspirational Terry... An amazing gesture from an amazing family!

$100

Doug Doucet

$104

Steve and Patsy Simon

Thinking of you both! Wishing you all the best and sending hugs! 🙏🙏👍👍👍

$104

Mike and Bonnie Bagnall

You are a great inspiration Terry and Linda!

$104

Dennis & Julia

$260

Michael and Shannon Thudds

$104

Pamela Kydd

I cannot agree with you more! The team on 8A &8BMT are world class! Thank you for sharing...I have been down the AML road with my husband. They certainly became our family. I have a great respect for all they do! Terry, stay strong, you have the best team ever!

$104

Geoff and Gill Biddulph

Great to hear you are doing so well. Happy to support such a wonderful cause. Gill and Geoff.

$78

Jim and Melanie Stanick

Looking forward to see you on the golf course this summer! Thorne Strong

$104

Kim and Ronnie Wright

Truly remarkable! The power of giving is a beautiful thing and this speaks volumes to who you are. Love you!

$104

Fred Dixon

$26

Bev and Donnie Ernst

$515

Tom and Lena and Family

Dear Terry and Linda, your strength, your positive attitude and generosity is so inspiring! Kudos to you for sharing your story and making this fundraising a reality! 🎉🎉🎉🎉HAPPY NEW YEAR🎉🎉🎉🎉

$104

Greg & Heather Murdock

Well done Terry! Here’s to a brighter 2021! Happy New Year to you, Linda and your Family. Best wishes, Heather & Greg

$1.02k

Debby Farnell Rudolph and Tom Rudolph

$100

Carolyn Crowell

$1.02k

Judy Farnell

My very best wishes to you and Linda for the coming year. So happy to be a part of this wonderful initiative!

$104

Karen & Mike Comeau

$260

Bazin & Terry

Happy New Year, my friend!

$515

Aileen Murphy

$100

Anne Vincent

$40

Ct Thorne

Still my hero. words can’t describe how grateful i am to your medical staff 🌺

$100

John & Sandra Greer

Wonderful initiative Terry & Linda!!

$104

Christine Nortis

$100

Robert and Krista Hunt

Thanks for sharing your story. It is inspiring and helps to increase awareness of the amazing caregivers and the need for equipment.

$100

Paul and Marie Fagan

$104

Joe and Annette Moniz

Supporting those that support us. Grateful our friends Terry, Linda and their loved ones experienced wonderful care.

$1.02k

Roger and Doris Dixon

We are the proud parents of Tara and are happy to support your fundraiser. Thank you Terry for your help in guiding Tara through this difficult journey and also to all the staff on the 8th floor at the VG . God Bless you and keep you both safe.

$52

Kathy & Peter Guravich

That is quite a journey but so happy you have received great treatment. Richard and Sandi have kept us informed of your progress. Always great to hear good news. All the best for 2021 - a new year in many ways.

$26

Tess Elsworthy

With much gratitude to all the staff on the 8A & 8BMT for taking good care of my beloved friend Terry T. Horné.

$26

Anonymous

$104

Paul Blades

Thorne strong!

$100

Glenn and Susan Dewar

Our very best wishes for continued health. So happy to hear you are making such progress.

$1,000

Paul & Lorraine Campbell

Terry glad to hear that your bone marrow transplant from your brother has been a success - currently after about 60 days of your 1st bout of 100 days your brother's blood now accounts for over 90% of your blood. This is excellent! We commend you on your positivity with your battle. Our toughts are with you and Linda as well as all your family.

$2k

Barb and D’Arcy Murphy

$250

Bill And Deb Bodnarchuk

$104

Catherine, Erin, Jennifer and Jane

$500

Green Arbor Landscape Ltd.

The Green Arbor Team

$52

Melanie Mulrooney

$1,000

Sue Stewart & Cliff Dahms

We are happy to donate to this very worthy cause.

$104

Christine and John McLean

Thank you for the opportunity to support your fundraising goal. Wishing you all the best.

$104

Thea Boya

All the best from some friends of An in Annapolis Royal.

$100

Jean and Robert

$104

Laura and Jordan Kelly

Sending lots of love and big hugs! Love you guys!

$100

Marc Blanchard

Get well Terry, I hope you get to play lots of golf in 2021!

$52

Jhonny Cisneros & Marcos Sanchez

Sending positive vibes and wishing you a speedy recovery! You got this! :)

$104

Tasha Kulai and Myuran Thana

Hi Terry, sending you our best wishes. We went through training with Mike and very much appreciate your efforts to raise money for the 8th floor during such a difficult time. Hope you’re feeling much better soon.

$104

Kathy and Ken McNab

Sending loads of love to you and Linda. Thorne Strong!!

$104

Wendy Birrell

$104

WILLIAM EDWARD CRANDELL

$1.02k

Tara MacDonald

So happy to support your fundraiser. It couldn't get any closer for me. I feel so blessed to have floor 8 and you on my side. All my love. xo

$52

Barbara Shantz

We were/are so happy to stand (kneel:-)) with you all as Bill and Nancy’s neighbours. May you and your family continue in health!

$26

Jenn Norris

$104

Paul and Susan Rodger

Sue and I are thinking of you and your family at this time.

$52

Alison Rodger

Hi Terry, I know your son, Mike from training in Halifax. I am moved by your desire and work to give back to the BMT unit during such a difficult time. Sending you strength and well wishes.

$260

Amanda

With much and support! ❤️

$100

Meredith Greene

Honoured to assist someone which such courage . Hugs from Saint John

$104

Jim and Kate

Best of luck Terry in helping those who helped you so much in the hospital.

$104

Joan and Reed MacDonald

$1.02k

Keith and Barb Bowman

Terry and Linda - Barb and I are very happy to support your campaign.

$26

Ginger Canning

Sent with love ❤️

$26

Anonymous

I am praying for a complete recovery for you and for my dear friend Tara. I "see" you both healthy and sitting in a pew at BUC!

$208

John Havill

Hi Terry, Thank you for asking us to make a donation to your fundraiser event goal. John and Debbie Havill

$26

Anonymous

I am donating because my cousin Tara shared your fundraiser on her Facebook page and said you have been helping her. Thank you for that Terry. And thank you for helping those amazing QEII workers.

$1.02k

Judy and Vince Ingham

Wishing you the best

$26

Gwen Manderville

$104

Chuck and Jane Hurley

$26

Anne Hebb

$104

Clara do Mark Stevens

Hoping 2021 is a year filled with health and happiness! ❤️Mark & Clara

$104

Cynthia Kelley

Love you all soo much!!

$104

Pamela Jardine

Terry, you look great ! Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.

$1.52k

Chris and Leslie Valardo

$208

Richard and Sandra Thorne

$2.5k

Bill & Nancy

$3k

Terry & Linda

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