"On August 8, 2007, my life changed. My family doctor informed me that my white blood cell count was much higher than normal. Within hours of this news, I was in the Tom Baker Cancer Center at the Foothills Medical Centre and referred to see a hematologist-oncologist. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and treatment started that day.
I went through intense rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant. It was challenging, but I knew I had to shift my focus to one day at a time. Seven months after the stem cell transplant, I returned to the things I most enjoyed – food, fitness and nutrition. Unfortunately, I relapsed on a day I finished a 10 km race with my husband.
I continued with treatment and 13 years later, I am now in a place where I am able to enjoy more time with my husband, my dog Nacho, my family and friends. I am especially grateful to have the opportunity to see my nephews grow up. I have also been able to return to work full-time, compete in fitness competitions, run races again, start my own business and continue to celebrate and live my best life every day."