Hi everyone! Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page! 

Relay for Life has always had a special place in my heart. 

My name is Rachel and I'd like to share a bit of my experience with cancer with you. 

At the age of 4, I was diagnosed early acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To say recieving an initial diagnosis was difficult would be an understatement. I sought out several doctors both in family health care settings and hospitals within my rural community in hopes of finding an explanation for the symptoms of fatugue, lack appetite and rapid weight loss I was experiencing. I was frequently met with inconclusive test results, antibiotic treatments that were unsuccesful, and referals to different locations. As my health continued to rapidy decline, I remember feeling a sense of hopelessness.

Ultimately, my parents decided to seek help elsewhere and drove down Sick Kids in Toronto in hopes of finding some answers. Within 48 hours of my arrival at Sick Kids, I was diagnosed with cancer. My treatment protocol included intense chemotherapy and several blood transfusions over the course of 3 years. Cancer treatment was certainly no breeze, and I experienced all of the typical symptoms: big rosy cheeks, loss of hair, the constant "sick" feeling, and the feeling of isolation. However, despite this, I chose to fight. 

In the spring of 2007, I recieved my final cancer treatment. I was deemed cancer free. To this day, I am increidbly graetful and privileged to be able to say that I remian in complete remission and celebrate 17 years as a cancer survivor.     

With nearly half of Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, I’m more determined than ever to help change the future of this disease. 

Please help me reach my fundraising goal for Relay For Life.  It doesn’t matter how small the step, it makes a difference. Not only for those living with cancer now, but for those remembering and honouring those we’ve lost.  A donation of $25, $50 or $100 could help make sure a team of researchers has the resources they need to make a life-saving discovery or a patient has access to support services when they need it most. 

Think about the impact we can make together!