Brighten Your Day

Cancer Survivor Celebrates Her Birthday By Paying For Strangers' Hospital Parking Fees

September 3, 2025

Today's good news story comes from London, Ontario.

For Krystyna Locke, birthdays now carry a deeper meaning than cake and candles — they’ve become a chance to spread kindness.

Krystyna Locke / London Health Sciences Foundation

After living with lymphoma for 20 years, Krystyna decided to mark her most recent birthday by helping others walking the same path. She’s raising money to cover parking costs for patients and families visiting the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at London Health Sciences Centre — a small but constant expense that adds up quickly during treatment.

“The need is there,” Krystyna told CBC Radio . “Some people have to come in every day for treatment, and parking can feel like one more thing to deal with. I wanted to spark some joy in their day.”

Her own journey began back in 2004, when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and began making regular visits to the cancer clinic.

“I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and began visiting the cancer clinic in London every 6 months for almost two decades,” Krystyna said.

In 2023, the disease returned in a more aggressive form, giving her a new perspective. Now cancer-free, she’s using her strength to make life a little easier for others.

“This is also a part of my own healing process,” she said. “I want to show my children and grandkids how meaningful it can be to give to others.”

Hospital leaders say her efforts are making a real difference. “We are deeply grateful to Krystyna for her generosity and compassion toward patients at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre,” said Carey Landry, director of the South West Regional Cancer Program.

“Facing a cancer diagnosis is an emotional journey, and helping cover parking costs removes one worry for patients and their families. Krystyna’s kindness is a shining example of the difference one person can make in our community.”