Man and woman standing together indoors holding teddy bears and heart-shaped gifts, smiling in a hospital setting.

A journey defined by strength

Terry Silimanis began his cancer care journey at MSH almost three years ago. Now, we’re catching up with him after a recent visit to the Emergency Department for urgent care, as his experience continues to span across different areas of our hospital.

A life-changing diagnosis

In 2023, Terry knew something was wrong. He was experiencing unusual symptoms — soreness, bleeding and changes in his bowel movements, and unexpected weight loss. Given these symptoms and his father’s history of polyps, his family doctor recommended a colonoscopy to rule out any concerns.

After the colonoscopy and further testing, the results brought unimaginable news. Terry had Stage 4 colorectal cancer.

“It was a shock,” Terry says. “I used to be a mechanic. I worked with heavy equipment. I could fix things, but I can't fix me.”

Treatment began quickly at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) with Dr. Sam Babak, Medical Oncologist. Terry started chemotherapy in The Shakir Rehmatullah Cancer Centre and within the first few weeks, he amazed the doctors and nurses. Terry experienced no hair loss and even gained 10 to 15 pounds. Because he responded so well, his treatment dosage was increased.

Terry’s strength and resilience, supported by his medical care team's expertise, helped him make remarkable progress despite the severity of his diagnosis.

After his first round of chemotherapy, Terry began radiation, followed by a major surgery to remove nearly 12 inches of his colon — and unfortunately, it didn't end there. Further scans showed the cancer had spread and required additional surgery to have part of his liver removed.

Care he could count on

Shortly after the surgery at a partnering hospital, Terry experienced complications. In March 2025, he was woken suddenly at 4 a.m. by a piercing pain shooting from his chest down to his leg. He was struggling to breathe and having trouble walking. He went and woke his sister, Elaine, knowing something was wrong. They rushed to MSH’s Emergency Department.

An X-ray revealed fluid in one of Terry’s lungs — a common occurrence in patients after a liver surgery. “It was slowly building up,” explains Terry. “My right lung was full.”

The emergency medicine team acted quickly, draining one and a half litres. Terry was then admitted to the hospital, where he spent 10 days recovering. “The care was awesome,” recalls Terry. “I was very comfortable.”

Moments like this have shown Terry firsthand how vital access to timely hospital resources, like an X-ray machine, are. “Until a family member's in there and going through something like I am, then your eyes open up and you see what's really going on,” he says.

I’m very grateful. Without donors, I don't know where I would be.

Terry Silimanis

Resilience through connection

Living with Stage 4 cancer means that Terry depends on the hospital through every step of his care, whether it's routine scans to monitor his progress, chemotherapy, or emergency interventions. Despite every challenge he’s faced, Terry chooses to spread positivity.

Whenever he comes to MSH’s Cancer Centre for treatment, Terry makes it his mission to lift the spirits of others. He jokes with his nurses and talks with fellow patients. “I know how it is on the other end,” he says. “If you can, you should make someone’s day feel more comfortable.”

Behind his positive outlook is a dedicated support system that made his progress possible. Terry’s sister, Elaine, has stayed by his side from the beginning. She attends every appointment, every treatment, and keeps him laughing along the way, too.

“We’re made from the same mold”, Terry says.

Dr. Babak and his care teams also play an essential role in Terry’s journey, providing expert care, closely monitoring his treatment, and always being available whenever Terry or Elaine need support.

The gift of hope

As he continues treatment at MSH, Terry knows that his care is made possible with the help of community investment. He deeply appreciates the generous support that enables MSH to embrace innovation and fund essential equipment upgrades. For Terry, these are more than just tools, they are his lifeline.

“These machines are vital. And they’re getting better, too,” says Terry. “I’m very grateful. Without donors, I don't know where I would be.”

Terry also sees firsthand how donations help the hospital enhance its departments like the Cancer Centre to keep pace with MSH’s growing community. “I noticed from last year, it got busier and busier,” he says. “They started doing renovations so we can get more chairs in there.”

Access to cancer care close to home has given him more time with family, friends, and the hobbies he loves — like working on his cars and fishing. For Terry, your support means his best chance to keep going.