Local surgeons, donors, and community members are redefining what is possible on Vancouver Island by coming together in support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s latest campaign, . The campaign is aiming to raise $17 million to bring brand-new minimally invasive surgical equipment to the Island.
The Foundation is grateful to every donor, caregiver and champion who has supported the cause to date—may that be through a donation, donated services or a gift of time or story, for every gift is making a difference.
One of these champions is Steve Marta, who shares his personal health journey in support:
“Last year, at the age of 55, my PSA levels spiked beyond normal levels for someone my age. My urologist, Dr. Iain McAuley, had the great foresight to send me for a biopsy, and that’s when he gave me my diagnosis. I had prostate cancer.
Part of me was shocked. How can this be possible? I'm one of the fittest people I know at my age. Part of me wasn’t surprised, as it had been a recurring issue in my family. Part of me was terrified. What about my wife, Lisa? What about my students? What about my parents? Cancer is always harder on our loved ones.
Dr. McAuley explained that I had two options: radiation like my dad, or surgery. It was a no-brainer for my wife and I to choose the surgical route: I simply wanted the cancer out and gone, and I saw how hard radiation has been on my dad.
I went through a number of diagnostic tests following that appointment: blood tests, chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan... I pause here because I know so much of the reason I was able to get the very best diagnostic tests was due to the generosity of our community. Donors have truly set up a strong diagnostic base by funding a new Chemistry Line and imaging equipment over the last few years.
Dr. McAuley referred me to Dr. Jeff McCracken. I trust Dr. McAuley wholeheartedly—and I would come to trust Dr. McCracken the same way. In my own research, I found that Dr. McCracken had outstanding stats in sa国际传媒 for the radical prostatectomy surgery I would need.
I also discovered that robotic surgery was an excellent option. From what I read everywhere, the benefits of robotic surgery included (1) a shorter stay in hospital of 1-2 days, compared to 3-5 days with traditional surgery, (2) a quicker overall initial recovery, with return to work in 2-3 weeks, compared to 8-9 weeks and (3) less possible post-op surgical complications.
What I didn’t know then was that robotic surgery wasn’t an option in Victoria... not yet, anyway. My heart sank a little at that moment.
In March of this year, I had what I can only describe as life-saving surgery at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Everyone I met in the hospital that day played a special role in my life.
A few weeks later, Dr. McCracken called me to share the results of the pathology report: the tumour was 1.3 cm. Talk about aggressive: that tumour grew so quickly within three months from simple cancer cells. He then said, “The pathology came back, and it was confined to the prostate."
As soon as I hung up, my wife Lisa broke down. Lisa, my rock, had been stoic and supportive throughout my entire journey. For Lisa and me, Dr. McCracken and Dr. McAuley not only saved me—they saved us.
I proudly share with anyone who will listen that we have the best doctors, the best surgeons, and the best healthcare staff here in Victoria.
Imagine what a surgeon like Dr. McCracken, and others in the same field, could accomplish for their patients with the latest innovations like robotics.
I would give Dr. McAuley and Dr. McCracken the stars if I could. Perhaps, getting them robotics is just as close.
Steve Marta”
To learn more and support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s campaign, please visit or call the Foundation at 250-519-1750.
Consider a gift by December 31 to receive a 2024 tax receipt. On behalf of local caregivers and the patients they serve, the Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks.
