After going to the emergency room on October 18th, 2022, for a swollen leg due to a blood clot, I was diagnosed with Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia.
What followed was a month-long stay at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, where I received the most phenomenal care and compassion I could ever imagine.
Light the Night is so important to me to bring awareness to blood cancers and highlight the support that is needed to get through such a life changing experience.
After receiving this cancer diagnosis my life changed in such a dramatic way. My Daughter, who was 4 at the time, didnt understand why I couldnt leave the hospital or why I had a tube coming out of my chest. While I had the most overwhelming amount of family support, you cant help but feel alone going to bed each night in the hospital. The isolation and mental component of dealing with this diagnosis was by far more painful than any physical symptoms, which Im still working through today.
Reflecting on my journey over the last few years I dont re-live any painful memories, rather look back on all the support I had along the way. My wife, Linda, is the strongest human being I have ever met. Linda juggled being a mom during the day and then would come see me in the evenings and remained so positive right from day one.
After several long stays in the hospital that included three bone marrow biopsies, three rounds of chemotherapy, two rounds of total body radiation and a stem cell transplant I?m proud to say that Im in complete remission. My Sister, Heather, gave me the greatest gift a sibling could ever imagine and provided me with a second chance to watch my Daughter grow up.
My time in the hospital and a cancer diagnosis provided the realization I needed to see how fragile life is and can change in a minute. This will never be lost on me. Cancer can be the best or worst experience of your life depending on how you choose to fight it.
The most significant impact that MPAL had on me is to not take anything for granted. During the darkest times in my recovery the biggest regret I had was not spending as much time with the people I loved the most. Life is finite and at the end of our journey the last thing you will think about is your job title, how much money you made or number of followers you have on Instagram. Make the most out of your time here and live in the moment.
Thank you to all the staff at Arthur Child, in particular Dr. Kareem Jamani, NP Baljit Randhawa and Nurse Emily Oscal Ruiz. The amazing care, kindness and compassion you showed my family and the hope and optimism you provided are the reason Im here to share my story today.
