Light The Night brings communities across Canada together for one magical evening to share stories, remember loved ones lost and pay tribute to our heroes, bringing light, love and hope to dispel the darkness of blood cancers.

I am taking the first step and showing my support.

In December 2020, just before Christmas, I was in extreme pain. It was so strange. I finally got blood work preformed and it confirmed what I never imagined could happen to me or my family.  I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer does not run in my family. I was pulled down into a world without my family and friends. A world with big scientific words I’ve never heard of or wanted to hear. A world where statistics were not my friend. A dark world where I could not see my way out. 

Needles, biopsy’s, catheters, bloodwork, transfusions, ct scans, xrays, multiple doctors and nurses- my first day was so scary. I was by myself with no one to hold my hand. Covid restrictions at the time were that no visitors are allowed to go in. When I heard the news that I had to start chemo immediately and that the “induction” period was an average of 28 days in hospital my heart sank even further. Leaving my 5 year old daughter  and husband was the hardest part. I had just dropped her off at school that morning then I disappeared. It was the hardest thing I’d ever had to do was stay isolated from everyone. 

The next day a social worker came into my room and said I could have a visitor. My husband came up and we melted down. I’ve never felt so lost. Christmas my mother was allowed to visit. She was my last visitor for the rest of the induction period as Ontario went into a strict lockdown. I was so blessed with amazing understanding nurses. 

This was just a glimpse at what a patient endures during their first week or so being diagnosed during a pandemic. 

In total I spent 124 days admitted into a hospital. 2 inductions, 1 infection and 1 Stem Cell Transplant.  

Today I’m doing well and see the light. My daughter is my light. I will fight to be with her every day, every year - I have no choice but to be strong