Childhood Cancer Canada

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I was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of 3. It was difficult for my family and me but we got through it together. I went into remission when I was 6 years old. Unfortunately I relapsed at the age of 9. My second battle was much harder on me as I missed a lot of school and was more afraid of what could happen to me. Thankfully I caught up in school and didn’t get left behind and there were plenty of people (family members, patients, doctors, and nurses) to ease any fears I had about the cancer. One thing that made cancer bearable was Camp Trillium which is a camp for children with cancer and their families. I went there twice a summer for 10+ years and I can’t wait to go back and volunteer again for a week once I am working in my field. Everyone there is so positive and upbeat and there are so many fun things to do! Now 27 years old, I am proud to say that I have been cancer free for 15 years. I am going into my second year of respiratory therapy and enjoying every minute of it. Having cancer as a child and spending the better part of 5 years in the hospital has shaped me into the person I am today. If I did not have cancer, I likely would not have pursued a career in the health field, I probably wouldn’t have volunteered at Camp Trillium, and I would doubtfully be an assistant coach for the Special Olympics softball program in Ottawa. Most people would look at having cancer growing up as a negative thing, but without it I would not have all the positive things that I have in my life.