Age: 20 | Whitby, Ontario
- Relationship to Childhood Cancer: I had Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
When I was nine years old, I noticed a peculiar small lump on my lower back. Not knowing what had happened or when it first developed, I alerted my parents. We sought a professional opinion for an answer. The doctor advised that this lump on the lower of my back was merely a cyst and not something we needed to worry about. I was relieved and relaxed to hear the news that it meant nothing. It wasn’t until late 2001, that those emotions started to change.
At only 11 years of age, I noticed the lump starting to change its appearance, changing color and doubling in size. Returning to the doctor, we were advised that it should be removed. I underwent surgery on December 13th, 2001, and soon after was advised that it was not a lump, but rather a tumor -not just a tumor, but a malignant tumor! I had Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (B Cell), a rare childhood cancer. My life was about to change, and the lives of my family and friends were about to change with mine. No one is ever prepared or taught how to handle life with cancer. I had a disease which, with an aggressive chemotherapy protocol, there was a 75% chance that I would be cured. This thought inflicted both fear and worry for me and those around me. When I was younger, I thought I had experienced fear before, like the day my Mom dropped me off on my first day of Kindergarten, or when my Dad took the training wheels off my bike, but absolutely nothing could compare to the fear I experienced that year.
Throughout the treatment I endured, I was a little girl who was frail and generally run down most of the time. Chemotherapy was like a roller coaster, it had its ups and downs, there were days when I felt normal and alive, and days when I felt weak and unwell. A positive attitude and the support of people who really cared and loved me were the two things that helped me to combat the situation in which I was living. My Mom, Dad, and younger sister Emily were extremely supportive and comforting throughout the hard times. I tried not to look upon the things that put you down. I ignored the negative, because it is the wrong way to think when trying to achieve a goal that can save your life. Courage was the only thing that kept me going. I never let the fear of letting myself fail get in the way. I was brave, and knew that those who loved me were as well. Courage was power, my power that helped me overcome all the treatments, all the needles, and all the obstacles along the way. It was a powerful means which helped me achieve my goal and become a cancer survivor.
I am now almost 20 years old. It has been eight years since I conquered cancer. I now attend university where I am pursuing an education in nursing to help those with illnesses and to give back to those that have helped me succeed. I recently got a tattoo on my ankle which symbolizes my past and means never giving up. When I face challenges that come my way I can conquer them, which comes from the strength and courage I developed during my battle.
“You have failed only when you have failed to try. Act as if it were impossible to fail and it will be.” That’s what Camp Oochigeas taught me. A camp for children living with and beyond cancer supported in part by Tour for Kids, through the many donors and cyclists, including my Mom, a rider participating for her fifth year. If obstacles stand in your way, use your strength and power to conquer them until you become the champion!
