On June 4, 2014, my life changed forever. I heard the words no one ever expects—or wants—to hear:
“You have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.”
In that moment, everything shifted. The future I had envisioned for myself and my family became uncertain. But what I didn’t know then was that my journey, though filled with challenges, would also be filled with strength, hope, and incredible blessings.
The Early Days: Watch and Wait
When I was first diagnosed, my doctors explained that CLL often requires a “watch and wait” approach until the disease progresses. For 15 months, that’s exactly what I did—waiting, hoping, and learning to live with the unknown.
Unfortunately, my disease was aggressive and progressed faster than I had hoped. After six months of chemotherapy that did not succeed, I sought a second opinion. That’s when I learned I had an abnormal chromosome called 17p deletion, making treatment even more challenging.
Clinical Trials and Progress
In August 2016, I joined a clinical trial that gave me new hope. For several years, the treatment worked—but by 2019, my body began resisting the medication.
Just as I was preparing for another clinical trial in early 2020, Covid -19 hit. Instead, I transitioned to another medication that managed my disease until last year, when resistance returned.
In 2023, I was fortunate to start a new clinical trial that helped manage my disease for a year and a half. Then, earlier this year, in May 2025, I was given a couple of options for another clinical trial—and I chose the one I’m on now. My hope is that this will finally lead to a lasting remission.
Every single advancement in treatment reminds me why research—and fundraising—are so critical.
Moments That Matter
When I was first diagnosed, I feared I wouldn’t live to see my boys get married. That thought broke me.
But life had other plans. In 2022, I danced with my first-born at his wedding—a moment I will never forget. And even more recently, my husband and I became grandparents for the first time. These milestones are my greatest victories, and they remind me why I keep fighting.
I no longer think, “I hope I will…” Now, I look forward to making many more memories and being here for countless milestones with my family and friends.
Why I Fundraise: Team Tammi and Light the Night
Over the years, I’ve learned how vital research is for patients like me. If my diagnosis had come five years earlier, my outcome might have been very different. Research gave me hope—and life.
That’s why I fundraise. That’s whyTeam Tammi has participated in Light the Night for ten years, raising over $255,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). And we’re not stopping. Our mission is to give every patient and family the same hope I’ve been given.
This year, I hope you’ll join us—donate, share, or walk with us. Every step brings us closer to a cure.
The Power of Community and Hope
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that you are never alone. The blood cancer community is filled with incredible people—patients, caregivers, families—who inspire me daily with their strength and resilience.
My mission is clear: raise awareness, raise funds, and keep hope alive. I’ll keep fighting, not just for me, but for everyone on this journey.
Together, we can light the path to a future where no one has to hear those words:
“You have leukemia.”
Closing Quote:
"Hope is the only thing stronger than fear—and together, we make hope possible."
The future is so full of hope! Blood cancer no longer has to be a scary diagnosis!