Meet Michael Permack, the visionary founder behind Cancerpath, a groundbreaking movement dedicated to male patients, survivors, and their families in their emotional healing journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment with a focus on aftercare.
The vision for Cancerpath is to help 50 million people from diagnosis, to treatment and critical stages after care has been provided. The antidote to the lonely cancer journey is connection and service which creates hope.
Michael’s unwavering commitment stems from a deeply personal experience—diagnosed with a brain tumour in his left parietal lobe at the young age of 29 in 1993, he was given a mere two years to live by six different neuro-oncologists.
In the face of this dire prognosis, having just earned his MBA and building a life in Calgary with his wife and three children, Michael grappled not only with the physical challenges but also the profound emotional toll it took on him.
However, defying all odds, Michael’s resilience and determination propelled him through to today, battling the effects of the tumour, including 72 MRIs, brain surgery in 2004, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Michael spearheaded a significant initiative, restructuring the Canadian Cancer Society, amplifying research funding by $500m which had an impact on all Canadians. His outstanding contributions earned him the prestigious Sovereign Medal for Volunteers from the Queen of England, the highest honour bestowed upon volunteers in Canada.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael takes pride in a 37-year marriage and cherishes his role as a proud father to three children residing in Victoria, BC, Canada. His pursuit of joy extends to his love for golf, travel, and comedy, embodying a life rich in purpose, resilience, and compassion.