‘I appreciate everyone’: Community rallies after husband and father’s terminal diagnosis

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John woman is applauding the support of the community in the face of her family’s heartbreak. 

Britany Gould and her husband, Tony Lloyd, have been together for 11 years and share two children.

Gould told Energeticcity.ca that Lloyd, an oil and gas industry worker, began “experiencing headaches” and “forgetting things” in late March, but at the time the couple didn’t think much of the situation.

“He started saying that he had really bad neck pain,” said Gould. “He thought that his neck was [just] out and he needed to go to the chiropractor.

“Then, late at night-time, he started actually getting sick and getting really confused and not knowing what’s going on. His balance was quite off. So I ended up having to call the ambulance.”

Rushed to Fort St. John Hospital, an MRI scan revealed the grim prognosis: glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour.

Lloyd was airlifted to hospital in Vancouver, where the couple spent three weeks. While surgery was performed, only “a small portion” of Lloyd’s tumour could be removed. 

“The brain is such a sensitive area and a lot of it was intertwined,” explained Gould. “It wasn’t just sitting on top that they could just kind of pop it off. [The doctors] did say there was a possibility for him to get chemo and radiation down the line.”

After spending three weeks in the hospital, Lloyd and Gould flew back to Fort St. John to be closer to home.  

Unfortunately, further tests revealed the brain tumour had grown, and as a result, Lloyd has lost his eyesight. 

Doctors in Prince George revealed chemo and radiation therapy was not an option.

“I’m in the hospital with him six to eight hours a day, every single day,” said Gould. “It’s hard thinking about what he’s going through and what he’s experiencing.”

Gould started a GoFundMe campaign in May hoping to raise  $5,500, and it has already reached $4,525.

Local businesses have stepped up and raised funds to assist the family.

Local food vendor Lucas’s Pit Stop has raised money via a jar at events at the Northern Lights Raceway. Its last event catered by the establishment raised $1,200.

In addition, Audielicious in Fort St. John began a burger drive on May 29th, with $5 dollars from every burger sold going toward the family until June 8th.

Gould and owner Audie Louie worked together at Charlie Lake’s former Jackfish Dundee Pub in the past and are close friends. 

“Everyone’s been so sweet. It actually takes a bit of a burden off my shoulders, especially for a little while,” said Gould. “I can take care of Tony, I can take care of the kids. I really want to spend as much time with them, just give them all the attention that they need and deserve. 

“Everyone’s just been amazing beyond words. I appreciate everyone.”

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, visit its website.