Advancing Esophageal Cancer Awareness, One Step at a Time.
Who Was Gary?
Gary Smith was a respected athlete and coach dedicated to basketball. In his 50s, he won a gold medal in the World Masters Men’s Basketball League, reflecting his lifelong love for the sport. He had played for the Canadian National Men’s Basketball Team and later became a well-respected high school coach and principal.
For over ten years, Gary dealt with chronic heartburn and used over-the-counter antacids. In December 2005, he began to experience back pain, an early sign of what was later diagnosed as esophageal cancer. In April 2006, Dr. Brock Pullen at Royal Columbian Hospital confirmed the diagnosis. After a brave fight, Gary passed away in September 2007 at the age of 60.
1946-2007
Our Purpose
Visit Gary’s bench and help raise funds for esophageal cancer awareness and screening!
We encourage you to share photos of your walk or activity in memory of Gary on the Gary’s Walk Facebook page, on Twitter @GarysWalk, or info@garyswalk.ca on Instagram. Every step helps spread awareness.
To donate, simply visit the RCH Foundation or click the Donate button below.
Current Amount Raised: $152,047
Current Amount Raised: $152,047
Our History
In 2010, a memorial bench was placed in the park, marking the first Gary’s Walk. That year, an article about Gary and the walk appeared in the Vancouver Sun, with additional local features in 2011 and 2015.
Thanks to our supporters, over $30,000 was raised in 2011 to fund a scope for Royal Columbian Hospital. In 2014, two gastroscopes were purchased, followed by a transnasal scope in 2017. An informational brochure was also distributed, and billboards promoting the walk appeared outside RCH in 2016 and 2017.
In 2021, donations funded an Olympus ESG300, a cutting-edge device for GI and pulmonary procedures, including argon plasma coagulation (APC). In 2022, we visited RCH, saw the plaque honoring Gary, and spoke with Dr. Atkinson about the machine’s impact.
Since 2012, the Gary Smith Cancer Fund has raised an incredible $152,047. Thank you for your support!
Gary’s Walk 2025
Sunday, April 27th 2025
Minnekhada Regional Park
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
We hope to see you at this year's walk! The 16th Annual Gary’s Walk will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Join the family in the Minnekhada Regional Park parking lot between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. See you there!
Walking with a Purpose
Gary Smith’s Continuing Legacy
For over a decade, the annual Gary’s Walk has made a profound impact on Royal Columbian Hospital, honouring the legacy of an esteemed athlete and educator while significantly advancing medical care.
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