Meeting Dan is to learn that out of the gate, he is very blunt and straightforward in his delivery. Akin to a good deadpan stand-up comedian. His personal situation involves accidents, surgeries and a litany of challenges along the way. He plainly put it as "I've been to hell and back many times". There have been 17 surgeries on his right knee alone, replacing parts (ambiguously termed a 'total knee revision' by medical staff like you're editing a manuscript's first draft) and a complete patellectomy. He's also recently gone through a lower lumbar spinal fusion. All of this succinctly summed up with "I don't have a knee cap in my right leg and I have a lot of titanium in my body".

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He manages to remain optimistic overall; "Some days I get frustrated at being dealt this hand, but other times I am amazed at how much the human body can endure. I wear my scars and my surgeries as a badge of honor. I was chosen to travel this journey.  I am strong enough to endure the trials needed". His very supportive husband, Michel, seems to take it in stride and kept a smile on his face the whole time we were out on the roof to shoot. Addressing one of my standard questions about positive impacts or outlooks, Dan continued "I am able to help others who are facing a similar surgery.  People see the knee brace. Some stare, some say nothing and others ask questions. I look at these opportunities to allow people to ask what they want to know. If I can assist one person with the knee or back journey then I am happy to do it".

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Final Thoughts:

"If you want to know about my scars, ask. If you see someone who is differently abled, don't treat them any differently.  Don't jump to assume they can't do certain things. Ask how you can help, or ask if they need help. And please, don't stare."

 

Having lost many family and friends to cancer, Dan has asked that you keep the Canadian Cancer Society in mind when considering future charitable donations.