Couple who married at regional hospital giving back
SYDNEY — Tim Toomey not only got to marry the love of his life at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney but has recently received the most incredible wedding gift from the doctors there.
Tim, 55, said his wife Cayla Toomey, 52, was not given a good prognosis after having a significant part of a tumour removed from the side of her brain in April. However, radiologist Dr. Kwamena Beecham recently informed them the remainder of the tumour has shrunk significantly.
“We waited a long time to hear those words,” said an ecstatic Tim, while describing Beecham as ‘an amazing doctor who truly cares about every one of his patients.’
“We couldn’t believe it. We were so happy we couldn’t wait to share the news with everybody.”
A TRAGIC LOVE STORY
In a story in the Cape Breton Post in May, Tim and Cayla Gouthro first met 30 years ago at the Main Event in Glace Bay. Although several years later they had a daughter together, their lives took different directions. Ten years ago they reunited and were set to marry on Sept. 5, 2020 at the Seniors and Pensioners hall in Tablehead.
“They were so much in love it would make me gag,” joked daughter Haley Toomey, 23, in the Post story.
However, things took a turn in March 2020. Cayla began having constant chronic migraines and on April 9, suddenly couldn’t walk or talk. An MRI at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital revealed a brain tumour the size of a peach. On April 10, doctors at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax removed 90 per cent of the tumour.
On May 25, Cayla again experienced extreme pain, was rushed to the regional hospital. The family was told the prognosis wasn‘t good. Doctors didn’t expect her to last the night. The couple got married in the hospital room on May 27.
Haley described it all as ‘the most tragic love story ever' and appealed to the public to pray with them for a miracle.
With the recent news, Haley said, "prayers really do work."
“We’re so grateful for everything," she said. “For my mom’s entire medical team and everyone who has been sending positive vibes our way.”
RECOVERING AT HOME
After three doses of high radiation Cayla started to come around and on June 2 doctors allowed her to go home to continue her treatment there.
On Tuesday, Cayla started her fourth round of chemotherapy. Recently, she had to have two blood transfusions as her blood was so low.
“I can’t complain considering where I was and where I am now,” she said. “I don’t remember the wedding, I don’t remember being in the hospital. I don’t remember anything, which I’m glad of.”
Cayla said another MRI is scheduled for November where they are hoping for even better news. As well as a medical team, homecare and VON are assisting. For now, she said there are good days and bad days but the shining light is her husband Tim.
“Tim hasn’t left my side although he was like that before we even got married,” she said. “He did all the housework, cooking and cleaning, everything even before I even got sick.”
As well as Tim, she said their daughter Haley has been her rock.
“She’s my greatest accomplishment in the world.”
ALWAYS GIVING BACK
Despite all they are going through, the family isn’t only concentrating on themselves but also others battling cancer.
Cayla held a fundraiser on Facebook for her birthday with a goal of $350 but ended up raising $1,000 as well as another $500 through recyclables. The family presented the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with a cheque for $1,500 on Aug. 14, Cayla’s birthday.
Haley said they know there are others needing the cancer centre as much or even more than her mother but might not be in the position to donate.
“We plan on making a habit out of donating to the hospital foundation so people just like my mom are able to stay home to receive treatments,” she added.
Cayla said they also plan to attend the foundation’s RadioDay 2020, being held at Centre 200 on Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The fundraiser this year is to raise funds for a CellaVision for the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. The equipment uses advanced technology to processes blood morphology results on the spot preventing delays in treatment and diagnoses, giving patients faster access to treatment.
“We plan to be there to meet other cancer survivors and hope to help them raise funds needed.”