My name is Scott Kehoe and on Nov 4th 2010 I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).
At the time I was training for a Triathlon. I began noticing bruising on my legs, slow recovery from minor cuts, and even my gums would start bleed while brushing my teeth.
I knew something was not right. I went for blood work early one morning, and by 6pm that evening I was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital to immediately begin treatment. My world was stripped away in hours… Just hours! Career put on hold. Relationships put on hold. It all came to an abrupt stop.
“You have cancer” were the words my GP told me. My mother and sister were in the room when I heard the news and my first thought was the how they felt seeing the look on my faces. My thoughts were about my girlfriend at the time, and now wife Meghan, and how she would take the news. I thought about my dad and family, my friends and how important they all are to me.
Cancer is not a solo journey. It takes with it anyone who is close or near to you and changes their world as well.
While cancer had taken a foothold on my body I refused to let it take over my mind. Through positivity and an incredible support network of family, friends, and the cancer community I overcame multiple hospital admissions, extensive rounds of chemotherapy, outpatient clinics visits, tests, and even a short but near fatal visit to the ICU.
It was during this time that I had my first exposure to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and Team In Training program.
Just over a year later, five friends and I registered for the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon with Team In Training. Together we raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and I completed my first ever full marathon just one year, six months and one day from the date of my diagnosis.
The LLSC has helped both my family and I come out of this experience as better people. I can’t say enough about the work they do to help fund research and provide support to those in need. Together we can end blood cancers so that more people can tell you their stories of survival.