Losing a loved one to cancer is devastating, but what if their legacy could spark hope for others? That’s exactly what Richard Hewitt is doing after the heartbreaking loss of his partner, Lee, to a rare form of endometrial cancer. Richard, a long-time donor to the BC Cancer Foundation, never imagined he’d be leaving a legacy gift in his will—until Lee’s passing in 2023 changed everything. But here’s where it gets even more powerful: Richard’s journey with cancer loss didn’t start with Lee. Decades earlier, his first wife, Margot, battled Hodgkin lymphoma, defying a grim prognosis that gave her just four years to live. Despite their separation, they remained close until Margot’s second cancer diagnosis took her in 2010. These losses fueled Richard’s passion for advancing cancer research, particularly after learning about BC Cancer’s groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapy—a treatment that harnesses the body’s own immune cells to fight cancer. And this is the part most people miss: This therapy, initially successful in blood cancers like Margot’s, is now showing promise in treating solid tumors, including ovarian and gynecologic cancers like Lee’s. Richard’s support now spans two critical areas: immunotherapy research and the work of Dr. Yvette Drew and Dr. Jessica McAlpine, who are revolutionizing endometrial cancer treatment. What ties it all together? Richard’s decision to include a legacy gift in his will, inspired by his legal advisor, Sara Pedlow. Here’s the controversial part: While many see legacy gifts as a way to sustain research, some argue it’s a reminder of mortality—but Richard sees it as a way to ensure Lee’s legacy, and the hope it represents, lives on. Is leaving a legacy gift a powerful act of hope, or a somber reminder of life’s fragility? Richard’s story challenges us to think differently. To learn more about how you can leave a legacy gift to the BC Cancer Foundation, contact james.highet@bccancer.bc.ca. What’s your take? Is this a bold way to honor loved ones, or does it hit too close to home? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a conversation.
