Cancer centre ceremonial gong returned after man arrested, charged

A 44-year-old man is charged with theft after a symbol of hope and strength for cancer patients in Waterloo Region went missing.

On Saturday, April 25, police say a man stole the ceremonial gong from the Cancer Centre from WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) on King Street West.

The theft reportedly took place just before 11 p.m. that night.

A 44-year-old has since been charged with theft under $5,000.

Late Monday, regional police confirmed the gong was returned to the hospital, sharing a photo of staff and officers.

Police said it was found in the Victoria Street North and Weber Street West area of Kitchener.

While the search was on, WRHN Foundation CEO Doug Earle said a cymbal was donated to help take the place of the missing gong.

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“The gong is hope, it’s showing resilience, it’s a celebration that you have successfully completed your cancer journey,” said Earle.

Cancer survivor Jeff Kalan became the first to bang the gong once it was recovered.

Of the moment, Kalan said, “What a feeling to come in there, and I made a big yell, banged it once, and I said, ‘Can I do it again?’ They smiled at me and said, ‘Go for it.’ So I did it again.”

Kalan said of the process that it was “quite the ordeal” being surrounded by police and other patients during his triumphant moment.

The stolen gong was donated to the hospital back in 2015. Earle said the Patient Advisory Group is meeting on Tuesday to discuss how to move forward.

“We are looking at how we can make it more secure but still do its job, ringing through the halls offering hope to patients.”

He said that they have seen an incredible amount of support.

“It is quite heartwarming, and we’ve had such a tremendous outpouring of support from the community. People are making gifts at wrhnf.ca towards the replacement, and developing our patient experience programs at the cancer centre, and to really bring back this symbol of hope.”

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