Elena’s family would like to thank Dr. Rassouli, Dr. Shehata, Dr. Spadafora, and Dr. Booth, as well as Shauna, Paula, Sheila, Gavin and all the amazing people at the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Clinic, and Dr. Leighl at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. We would also like to thank Maria, Kerith, Alana, Kim, Amanda, Kaitlin and everyone at the S.A.H. Pharmacy Department, as well as Olga and the Rexall Specialty family. Elena was so proud to have worked along side such caring and talented individuals for these past 15 years. She truly loved being a Pharmacist. She loved calling you her friends.
We would also like to extend our eternal gratitude to Marcia Horn, of the International Cancer Advocacy Network, for her relentless efforts on behalf of Elena and patient’s and their families world-wide. Elena was fortunate enough to be able to work closely with Marcia and her amazing team, helping other patient’s as Chair of the Angel Buddy Program, and as the author of their “Guide to Collateral Medications for EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Patients”.
Elena poured her heart and soul into her work with ICAN, and we can’t thank them enough for giving her this task to focus on. Often the most difficult aspect of a cancer diagnosis is the question “why me”. The work Elena did with the ICAN Exon 20 group gave her the feeling of having a true purpose, “maybe this is what I’m meant to do” was a sentiment she expressed many times.
Elena’s passing will leave a hole in the lives of many, but she knew that the work she had done these past 2 years would help innumerable others to have better lives after their own diagnoses.
As per Elena’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. A small private interment has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or other considerations, the family ask that you consider supporting Elena’s work at ICAN by contributing to the Elena Siltanen Pharmacy Advocacy Program at https://askican.org/namedprograms/esiltanen.html or the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund (payable to or online to).
Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.