When I was 11, my mom, Shannon, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. As you can imagine, this had a huge impact on myself and my family. Our lives were flipped upside down as we adjusted to the new reality we were living in. My mother's prognosis was grim, yet she faced her battle bravely. Together with my father, she became an advocate for lung cancer research and awareness, raising over a million dollars for the BC Cancer foundation. Sadly, after a 5 year long fight, my mother passed away peacefully this March. As a 11 year old, I was told I had but 6 months left with my mom. Instead, due to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and people a lot smarter than I am, I was able to enjoy 5 more years with her, and make countless memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. My mom is, and will always be my rock. I will never forget what she taught me, and how much she sacrificed for me. She is the bravest and strongest person I ever had the privellage of knowing, and words cannot describe my unyielding love for her. 

I encourage you to do what you can to help us fight against cancer. By donating, or sharing, no matter how little it seems, it has a big impact. Together, we can spread hope, and change lives.