When Junko Lui was successfully treated for cervical cancer over a decade ago, she hoped her battle with cancer was over. But then another tumour appeared. “A nurse recommended I contact a surgeon who had just arrived at UHN,” recalls Junko. “I heard he was very skilled and may be able to treat me.”

Dr. Kazu Yasufuku, Director of the Interventional Thoracic Surgery Program, was able to successfully remove the entire cancerous tumour from Junko’s right lung using the minimally invasive surgery he is renowned for. “The recovery time was so quick,” recalls Junko. “I was home in two or three days.”

Dr. Yasufuku went on to perform a second surgery on Junko when a lesion in her left lung was discovered to be cancerous. Her recovery time after this surgery was even faster since the new procedure required just a few tiny incisions.

Today, Junko is cancer-free and thankful for the care she received at Toronto General Hospital. “I am very grateful to have found such a kind, bright, dedicated and gifted surgeon,” says Junko. To show her appreciation, Junko made a gift in Dr. Yasufuku’s honour through the hospital’s Honour Your Hero program. Her thoughtful donation will be used to support Dr. Yasufuku’s work in thoracic surgery research.