Friends Forever

by Lisa M. Grover

Editorial Associate

Leukemia changed his life. But learning the gospel from a friend changed it even more.

St. Paul, Alberta—

We all know that example plays a role in sharing the gospel with friends and neighbors, but how much does it really matter? Bryce Dunlop of St. Paul, Alberta, thinks it might be the most important part of being a member missionary. But let’s begin at the beginning, when Bryce was 12, not 15, and he was not a member of the Church.

“When I met Kenlon Clark I thought he was one of the cooler guys at my school. He was just a nice guy. We started doing things together, and he invited me to Church activities. The people at the church were really nice, and I had a good feeling about being there. Kenlon would tell me stuff about the Book of Mormon. He asked if I wanted one. I asked how much it cost, and he said it was free. I could just take one. I thought that was a pretty good deal.”

If you’ve been a member of the Church for very long, you’ve probably already guessed how this one turns out. If you figured that Bryce was impressed with the example of the members of the St. Paul Branch, especially Kenlon and his family, you’re right. And if you guessed that Bryce read the Book of Mormon, listened to the missionary discussions, and joined the Church, you’re right again. But if you think this story is predictable, you’re wrong. It’s anything but predictable.

“When I was ten years old, before I joined the Church, I had leukemia,” Bryce says matter-of-factly. “In April 1995 the leukemia came back.”

Now it was Bryce’s turn to be the example. Even though he knew all too well what the relapse would mean—chemotherapy, radiation, fatigue, pain, nausea—Bryce decided he was going to do as much “normal” stuff as he could. So, even though he was still feeling sick from one of his first treatments, Bryce made it to the stake center to be part of his branch’s road show. Now he goes to as many firesides and activities as he can. And he goes to school as much as he can.

“I still don’t like school,” he says with a grin, “but you sure do miss it when you’re gone. You miss seeing other people.”

And that’s where Bryce’s branch comes in, helping Bryce to pass the long hours in the hospital.

“The branch has really taken care of me,” says Bryce. “The Primary sent me cards, the youth sent me cards and came to visit, the Relief Society fed my family when my mom and I had to go to Calgary for special treatments. They made delicious meals with dessert and everything. They had a fast for me, and nothing went wrong.”

Bryce has a lot to teach others about positive attitude and courage. And since Bryce is the only member of the Church in his family, he (with lots of help from members of the branch) has also had the important task of teaching his family about prayer, faith, and LDS beliefs about life after death.

“Bryce has done so well,” says his mom. “I know that a combination of good things has happened to Bryce. It isn’t just the wonders of science, by no means. I just know that Bryce is being looked after.”

Bryce couldn’t agree more. And he knows that the blessings he’s received during his illness can be attributed to the greatest example of all, Jesus Christ.

“I’m not afraid of what might happen,” he says. “Now that I have the gospel and I know about the Atonement and how things work, I’ve learned to look for the good. I have a lot to be thankful for.”

Courage, gratitude, and faith—Bryce lives these principles every day. And who knows? Maybe he’s just the example someone else is looking for.

Photography by Lisa M. Grover and courtesy of the Dunlop family