In March 2017, my Dad was diagnosed with Large Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma as well as Follicular Lymphoma. As a Bachelor of Science student, I have been exposed to lots of information and studies on cancer, but never imagined I would be faced with a cancer diagnosis in my own family. The diagnosis turned our whole world upside down, and we had no idea where to go for support.
My first connection with the LLSC came in May 2017 when Dad was undergoing his first chemotherapy treatment. We were given the Empower Pack within the first 10 minutes of being at the treatment facility and I was blown away by this amazing gesture by the LLSC. After reading through all the great information in the Empower Pack, I saw the poster for the first Light the Night event here in St. John’s and I knew I had to get involved to show my support.
After five vigorous chemotherapy sessions, my Dad has had great results and is continuing with maintenance treatments for the next two years. In his honour, I began fundraising for Light the Night, receiving lots of support from my family and friends. Experiencing my first Light the Night was an unforgettable feeling, and being able to connect and support so many patients, survivors and their families on that night made me want to give back to the blood cancer community.
Since becoming a volunteer with the LLSC, I have helped with the first Light the Night in St. John's, by volunteering at the event and by fundraising in honor of my amazing Dad. I am now a trained First Connection Volunteer and I currently sit on the planning committee for the 2018 Light the Night walk here in St. Johns. In the short time I've been involved with this amazing society, I've met some incredible patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters who are an inspiration and their stories give hope that one day there will be a cure for all blood cancers. The support that the LLSC provides for patients and their families is amazing, and it makes me proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
I would like to thank the LLSC for all they do for the blood cancer community. The LLSC has given me the opportunity to give back to those that have been affected by blood cancers and help fundraise so that one day, there will be a cure.
#somedayistoday