Linda Matthews knew how her battle with cancer would end but she also knew how she wanted to spend her remaining months.
Matthews was diagnosed with an “extremely aggressive” form of cancer in Aug. 2023. She passed away at Andy’s House, a palliative care home in Port Carling, on Dec. 18, 2023, at the age of 70.
Not long after her terminal diagnosis, Matthews and her sister, Lorraine Etler, partnered with the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF) in Bracebridge for a fundraising campaign that, as of Dec. 31, 2023, has raised over $260,000.
The campaign included the pair speaking to Moose Mornings host Remy Smith in Oct. 2023 during 99.5 Moose FM’s annual Thanksgiving radiothon in support of SMHF.
“I know I’m terminal,” said Matthews. “My last wish is to raise funds for the hospital that has helped me so much.”
The pair donated $250 with Etler challenging “anyone who used the hospital’s emergency department” to donate as well.
“If you are sick, do not worry,” added Etler. “The South Muskoka Memorial Hospital is going to take amazing care of you.”
According to Matthews’ obituary, she is survived by her husband of 46 years, Larry, sister, Lorraine, and “fur babies” Chloe, Calli, and Neesha.
“We want to say thank you, to both Linda and Lorraine, for sharing your experience, inspiring us, and reminding us of what excellent healthcare we have, close to home,” says Kathryn Devlin, SMHF development officer, in a social media post. “And thank you to you, our community, for helping Linda achieve – and surpass – her goal.”
In her obituary, Matthews’ family adds their gratitude to the doctors, including the oncologists, at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and the staff at Andy’s House for supporting Matthews for the “special care” they gave Matthews.
In lieu of flowers, they ask for donations to be made to Andy’s House, SMHF, or support Lorraine’s Ride to Conquer Cancer team with Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.