Dharmesh Patel, GM of Leamington’s Quality Inn Hotel named 'Leader of the Year'

Dharmesh Patel, general manager of Leamington’s Quality Inn Hotel was named national APEX Leader of the Year at the Choice Hotels Canada conference in September. But even more remarkable is that Patel has publicly shared the story of his cancer diagnosis two years ago, as reported by CTV News.

“I'm just one person,” Patel said. “I did a great job for my hotel and everything you do is for the industry but I'm sure there's people that are more deserving. But I'm very honoured to have received it, and it was an emotional moment when I did find out.”

He was told he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer on Christmas Eve 2020 after months of pandemic delays that prevented him from seeing doctors.

“Looking at me now, you can't tell, but I've just completed my 15th round of chemo,” Patel said. “And I'm about to start my 16th round and all I can say is positivity, prayer and support from everyone in my town and my friends and family has been the key to my success.”