A man whose dying wish was to return home one last time is thanking the thousands of Canadians who made it possible.
Less than a week ago, Cameron Conrad was lying in a Calgary hospital bed longing for his home in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S.
On Thursday, he returned home to a warm welcome from family and friends.
"I want to thank the people to get me back here,” said Conrad. “It wasn't just one person – it was every person. It was you guys, it was my family, my friends, strangers – hundreds of strangers."
The 57-year-old was working out west in November when he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
He was given weeks or months to live. All he asked for was a flight home.
Hundreds of Canadians quickly responded to Conrad’s wish with donations after his story was shared on social media.
Earlier in the week, a CTV News viewer in Edmonton saw the story and immediately called his son to help. The man owns and operates Advanced Paramedic Ltd, a medivac business.
Now, Conrad says, he’s where he’s supposed to be.
"If somebody is in deep need, it's good to see people pour out their hearts,” said Conrad. “I hope it doesn't stop at me."
Family members say they have seen a dramatic difference in his spirits. Conrad says he will be forever grateful for the generosity of strangers.
"To know I'm going to die back here, it's all the difference in the world," said Conrad.
Conrad says he greatly appreciates the care he received in Alberta, but there’s no place like home.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.
