With nearly 1 in 2 Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, I’m more determined than ever to help change the future of this disease. My family and friends could be affected. And that makes it personal.

This year marks my 8th anniversary of participating in Relay for Life, and once again, I'm stepping into this journey with with memories of my grandfather, Ali. He courageously uprooted his life in Iran, immigrating to Indiana, USA, to serve as a physician in a small town. A kind man, with boundless compassion and dedication, he spent his life caring and healing others. Sadly, in December 2003, he was taken by cancer. Although our time together was short, the bond I feel with him remains strong. The impact he had on his patients and the community of Batesville, has lasted to this day. Every visit to that small town stirs new stories of how he touched their lives and embraced the suffering of his patients with selfless care.

As I embark on this year's fundraising journey with uOttawa, I hope to spare future generations from the losses I have experienced. uOttawa's goal of raising $40,000 is not just a number; it's a tribute to the legacy of those we have lost and a wish that, one day, no one will have to say goodbye to another loved one due to this disease.

Please help us reach our fundraising goal. Your contribution, be it $25, $50, or $100, goes beyond the dollar value – it provides researchers with hope and comfort to both patients and their families.

Think about the impact we can make together!