London cancer survivor celebrates birthday by covering patients’ parking

After a 20-year battle with Lymphoma, cancer survivor Krystyna Locke decided to spend her birthday this year giving back. CTV London’s Lauren Stallone reports.

After a 20-year battle with Lymphoma, Krystyna Locke decided to spend her birthday this year giving back.

“I’m just happy I’m here to celebrate my birthday and to share the joy I feel of having another birthday,” said Locke.

She said she knows how even small expenses like parking can weigh on families.

“Part of my healing journey I wanted to give back and I think the best way to give back would be to pay for parking because it’s going directly to the patient,” said Locke.

“It’s sparking some joy for them on a day that might not be the best day.”

This is the second year in a row, Locke has visited the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSF).

“As patients enter, I hand them their parking pass,” said Locke. “Right away their faces light up.”

For Locke, that is proof that even a parking pass can be a ticket to kindness.

Visitors to the clinic said this act of kindness goes a long way and the price of parking adds up over time.

Locke has a fund set up through IHSF and has raised over $3,700 to date.

“This is something I would like to continue to do yearly on my birthday,” said Locke. “Something my children and grandchildren can continue, a legacy I can leave behind.”