When Richard (Ricky) Seto was diagnosed with metastatic late-stage prostate cancer in July 2023, life instantly changed for him and his wife, Nora. Now almost three years later and with his cancer still controlled through ADT Therapy, the couple are preparing for their next big adventure.
“After Richard’s diagnosis, we were very scared. We did not know how much time Richard had to live, and worried about the kids, finances, medical treatments” Nora shared. The fear was immediate, but so was their commitment to face it together. “We quickly realized that this was going to be a journey and instant answers were not there. We forced ourselves to be patient”.
From the beginning, Richard and Nora chose openness. They spoke honestly with one another and with their children. They educated themselves about prostate cancer and the treatment options available to them. They even had difficult conversations about what life might look like without Richard.
Richard responded well to his Androgen Deprivation Therapy, and today they are learning to live with prostate cancer much like they manage Richard’s Type 2 diabetes. Still, they understand the reality of his late-stage diagnosis. “Our Oncology team at the PCC has told us that the cancer will return, it is a matter of “when” not “if”, and there is really no way of knowing when that might be”.
Richard received counselling from the Prostate Cancer Centre, and together he and Nora attended couples counselling sessions. Those supports helped them shift from fear of the unknown to a focus on living well in the present.
“As a couple and as individuals we learned about living well and enjoying each day.”
Part of continuing to enjoy their lives together meant sticking to familiar routines – the couple was careful not to drop everything in order to get through a bucket list of sorts. Richard and Nora both enjoy part time work that they are passionate about, and together they are devoted parishioners and volunteers at St. Michael Catholic Church.
Planning for the future is still scary at times. They have had conversations about what they will do if the prostate cancer becomes resistant to treatment. But they are allowing themselves to think beyond the next appointment and to set goals more than a year ahead.
Throughout it all, Richard is clear about who stands beside him. “Nora has been my angel. I could not have gotten this far without her love, support, patience and understanding.”
And at the center of his resilience is his faith. “My Catholic faith enables me to face the cancer AND it gives me great hope as well.”
This spring, that hope will carry Richard and Nora across 800 kilometres.
On April 18, 2026, they will leave Canada to begin walking the Camino De Santiago (The Way of Saint James), a network of ancient, historic pilgrimage trails across Europe that culminate at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. It is a popular spiritual and cultural hike, with hundreds of thousands of people walking or cycling its routes annually. Starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, the couple will walk across the Pyrenees and through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain, ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St. James. Over 35 days, they will emulate the historic pilgrims, carrying their own gear and staying in pilgrim hostels along the way.
The Camino has been on their list for more than five years. What once felt like a cultural excursion has taken on deeper meaning. “Originally, we thought of it as a tourist or cultural excursion but in addition to that it is becoming more spiritual as well. We wanted to do some good, and share an awareness about prostate cancer and all that the Prostate Cancer Centre and SAIU Urologists have done for us” says Richard.
“Dr.Gotto and Dr Donnelly, the staff and volunteers of the Prostate Cancer Centre are excellent and world class. I have a great support team there, not only treating the prostate cancer but providing counseling and other supports. They are in my corner; I owe them my survival”.
For Richard and Nora, this walk is about gratitude, faith, partnership and purpose. It is about moving forward together, even in the face of uncertainty.
With Richards children having raised $12,660 for the PCC in 2024 with the first ever “Ricky Race” the family’s goal for The Ricky Race – Part 2 is to raise $25,000 for prostate cancer support programming. Along the route, they will upload a daily blog and photos so supporters can follow every step.
You can support Richard and Nora on The Ricky Race – Part 2: The Road to Santiago by making a donation to their fundraiser in support of the Prostate Cancer Centre. Every contribution helps ensure that other couples navigating prostate cancer have access to world class treatment, counselling and compassionate care when they need it most.