Even before his own cancer diagnosis, David Jamieson was a dedicated Alberta Cancer Foundation donor.
By Chelsea Canavagh
two years after his throat and neck cancer diagnosis.
As a radio sports broadcaster in Edmonton, David Jamieson’s voice has always been the bread and butter of his career. So, when he was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer in June 2021, one of the first questions he asked was: “Am I going to lose my voice?” At the time, the answer was unknown.
Five years after his diagnosis, Jamieson is still working behind the mic. But his return to broadcasting didn’t come without challenges. Jamieson underwent a neck dissection and six weeks of radiation to remove the tumour on his tonsil. He lost nearly 30 pounds, needed a feeding tube and had to re-learn how to swallow. His new appearance was also difficult to come to terms with; the surgery left him with a large scar running from his ear across his throat.
By May 2026, Jamieson was in remission — but his desire to give back and improve Albertans’ cancer experiences began well before that. Cancer had touched his friends and family members before he received his own diagnosis; his mother, both brothers and good friend John Sexsmith all passed away before Jamieson entered remission.
It was his mother’s passing in 2015 that inspired him to give back to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and his first donation went to the inaugural World’s Longest Hockey Game. While Jamieson didn’t participate in the tournament, he played hockey up until his diagnosis and knew many people involved in the event. He knew the impact it would have on the community. This kickstarted his longstanding relationship with the Alberta Cancer Foundation as an annual donor. So far, he has made eight gifts totalling $1,100.
“When I see the Alberta Cancer Foundation name and the logo, it makes me pay attention,” says Jamieson. “I believe in the organization, I believe in what they are doing and I know how hard the work is — this is essential stuff we need in our community.”
Jamieson has also purchased Alberta Cancer Foundation Lottery tickets for several years. It’s yet another way he shows his dedication to the Foundation’s cause.
“I didn’t want to just make [my cancer] experience solely about me. I had to, on some level, be of help to others,” says Jamieson. “Donations are essential and without them, the work doesn’t get done.”
No matter the dollar amount, donations help make a difference and give Albertans with cancer more time. For Jamieson, his journey with cancer changed his outlook on life and gave him a new appreciation of the time he gets to spend with his three children: Lindsay, Abby and Danny.
“For me, more time means more things to see in the world. I want to see where my children’s lives go,” he says. “Maybe it’s a wedding, maybe it’s the birth of a grandchild — those are moments I want to be around for.”
