In October 2004, I was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer affecting the retina caused by mutations in the RB1 gene. At just three months old, my mom noticed a cat-eye-like glare in my right eye while giving me a bath and instinctively took me to the hospital. My parents and I were told that my case was serious and were referred to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Upon our arrival, my parents learned that their firstborn child would not survive past Christmas without immediate treatment. By November 3rd, my right eye was replaced with a prosthetic, but my family and I continued frequently travelling between Ottawa and Toronto as I underwent three rounds of chemotherapy, and several laser and cryotherapy treatments until I was one year old. I have been tumour free since June 2005, but wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the immense support of my parents and loved ones, and the incredible treatment I received from the doctors at Sick Kids. I am endlessly grateful for my ocularist, Daphne Archibald, who has been dedicated for 20 years to fabricating and designing my prosthetic eye to look identical to my left eye. The work of this amazing woman has never gone unnoticed.

Growing up, my family and I have had to navigate the challenges of living with only 50% of my vision. Throughout much of my childhood, we travelled to Toronto for routine check-ups, and today, I continue to visit Sick Kids annually, as I remain at a higher risk of developing secondary cancers. My childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood have each brought unique challenges of their own. In elementary school, many kids wondered why my right eye didn’t move like theirs did. As a teenager, I struggled as a competitive dancer to stay in sync with my teammates, as I couldn’t see their movements beside me. As a young adult, I found learning to drive more difficult than my friends did, needing to take extra precautions with only one eye. Despite everything, I am immensely grateful to have survived a disease that many patients, of all ages, do not.

In all honesty, I have only recently felt confident enough to talk openly about my history with childhood cancer, as being different was something I always felt self-conscious about. I’ve come to realize, though, that my story is something to be proud of, not ashamed of. This realization has also motivated me to join a movement that supports patients, survivors, and families affected by cancer.

This September, I proudly accepted the position of an executive marketing coordinator for Queen’s Relay for Life. I am so excited to be part of a team that cares so deeply about raising funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. Given my personal history with childhood cancer, I am dedicated to taking part in an organization that supports patients, survivors and families like mine who are affected by cancer!
On March 21st, my team and I, as well as hundreds of general members, participants and survivors will take part in the Relay for Life event. Until then, QRFL will organize dozens of fundraising and awareness events around the city of Kingston!

I would greatly appreciate any support towards reaching my personal fundraising goal of $5000 by March 21st. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference, not only for those currently living with cancer but also for those honouring the memory of loved ones we’ve lost. A donation of $25, $50, or $100 could help ensure that a team of researchers has the resources needed for life-saving discoveries or that a patient has access to vital support services when they need them most.

-Makenna