Cancer has made a huge impact on my family both directly and indirectly, as it has on many other families worldwide. It has caused those impacted to go through something they would have never imagined.

My older sister Rochelle had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and faced complications during her surgery to remove her thyroid glands. My sister unexpectedly was faced with having a tracheostomy tube to help recover from the impacts cancer had caused to her thyroid and vocal cords. From the moment I heard about my sister’s diagnosis to hearing the sudden news on her surgery day, I knew that the strong person I had grown up looking up to had just become stronger. I am proud and extremely fortunate to announce that she is now 3 years cancer free and no longer needs her tracheostomy tube. 

This is one of many stories out there that I hold extremely close to my heart and by being a part of SFUCCS and raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society, I hope to shed light on more stories like my sister’s and help provide resources to make the journeys of those affected be easier and less lonely. Although my sister is now cancer free, it still leaves a substantial impact on her as she continues to move forward and live the life she is meant to live. Cancer is something one cannot brush under the rug and I am hoping to do what I can to keep on validating my sister’s and anyone else’s stories that have been heard and have yet to be heard.

To have this platform and to be a part of an amazing event like Relay for Life is a great gift on its own, as me and hundreds and thousands of other people are able to come together to let those impacted by cancer  know that they have a whole community and support system right behind them every step of the way. My ultimate goal is to be part of the journey to a future that ensures cancer is something we can face with even more confidence than ever before.

This is for my sister Rochelle, my grandpas, my beautiful aunt and her daughter, and every single individual out there who has been affected by cancer. Whether it be people we have lost, people who have become cancer free, or people who are currently going through their journey, I hear you, I see you, and I am with you.