Book: Hit the Switch - One Family’s Journey with Cancer
Shelley’s Story
June 9th, 2021
After his diagnosis, Dave Morell’s daughter looks up to her father in more ways than one.
Dave’s daughters Shelley (left) and Angie (right) all wrote their own chapter in ‘Hit the Switch’ to honor the man whose been an example of surviving cancer with strength and grace.
My Dad has always been tough. He’s always been a fighter. And a lot of his life, he’s been fighting and championing for others. Whether it was helping to raise money with the Chalmers Foundation, Special Olympics, Partners for Youth, or activities my sister and I were doing, he’s always been out in the community fighting to make it better for everyone. I’m unbelievably proud to look everywhere in this city and know a piece of him helped build or grow it for the citizens.
When Dad got the diagnosis and we turned the fight inward, he met the challenge with as much as “I got this” as I’ve ever seen. He never complains about how he’s feeling, he’s never complained about treatments or hospitals – quite the opposite. Cancer is here, it holds a place at our family table – but we give it the too small antique embroidered chair that no on likes to sit in.
Dave, his wife Susan, his son-in-law Mark, and his two daughters and granddaughters.
Without any surprise to anyone, my parents eventually set forth on a journey to help other people.
My father has always explained that life was about ‘hitting the switch’. My sister and I have been listening to him remind us of this our whole lives. And it’s amazing how it can carry you through a day, or a hard time in your life.
Dave and little Shelley reading a book during the holidays.
Writing our book was a challenge. It was over a year in the making and tough to write at times. You relive times you of which you had already begun healing. From my own perspective, I really wanted kids of cancer patients to know they are not alone. That they will likely feel all the emotions and it’s okay to feel them all. I hope they can do it a little more bravely than I did.
But writing my chapter also helped paint a new chapter – as I would write and read back, I knew I needed to move my feet better than I was, for myself and for my family. It helped me gain more strength for the time ahead. I’m able to worry a little less, able to allow positive thinking without leaving room for the negatives. He’s doing amazing, so I’m going to help do that too.
Dad’s positive attitude all the way through his journey has been such an inspiration. The strength and courage he has shown by just ‘hitting the switch’ every day has helped each of us do just the same.
Dave Morell, his family and grand kids gather to celebrate Fredericton’s local hockey team, the Red Wings.
Writing our story has given me new perspective and a new understanding of what’s important. We laugh more, we tell more stories, we take pictures and videos and we continue to be grateful for every day we have together making great memories.
Each chapter of Hit the Switch is a family members journey in stepping up in the face of cancer, and find reward through strength, support and recovery.
Proceeds from Hit the Switch go towards the oncology department at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.