In 2010, my grandma began suffering from severe stomach pains, prompting her to seek medical attention frequently. Despite her persistence, the doctors dismissed it as a minor bacterial infection, easily treated with antibiotics. Yet, her pain persisted, unaffected by the medication. My mom’s intuition told her it was something more serious, so she urged my grandma to visit the Emergency Room. There, we received the devastating news: it was stage 4 cancer, a diagnosis delivered too late to offer a cure. I was only seven years old, too young to fully grasp the finality of death.

I still cherish those memories of my grandma surprising my sister and me with chocolates whenever we visited. I remember her tenderly tying our hair with Caillou or My Little Pony clips, showing us in small ways just how deeply she cared. Despite her own struggles, she was always there for us, filling the gaps whenever my parents were at work. Her love was constant, and selfless. I miss her dearly and strive to honour her memory in all that I do.

With nearly half of Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, my resolve to change the future of this disease has only strengthened. This fight is personal—my family and friends could one day face the same heartache. I am asking for your help to reach my fundraising goal for Relay For Life. Every small step counts, every contribution makes a difference—not only for those battling cancer today but for those who, like me, are honoring the memory of loved ones we’ve lost. A donation of $25, $50, or $100 could empower researchers with the resources needed to make life-saving discoveries or ensure that patients have access to crucial support services when they need them most. Together, we can create hope for a future without cancer.Think about the impact we can make together!