21 years ago, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
I was devastated, as was my family. From one day living as a normal 11 year old, to the next being confined to the Montreal Children's Hospital, it just goes to show how much life can change in an instant. I was in complete isolation for 6 months and completed 4 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy which led to numerous and painful side effects. But I knew I had to stay strong. I had to stay positive and hopeful that my life would go back to normal, and I would beat my cancer. To help drive my spirit, my brother Joey Brandone challenged me to a competition where he would make an elite hockey team if I beat my cancer.
We both won that challenge.
Today, I celebrate being in complete remission. I look back on my time in treatment as an obstacle, but I look back on those who supported me, and will be forever grateful. Specifically John Marcovecchio
and his family. From visits, calls, and always being present, I cannot thank them enough for all their support.
And it continues to this day. John, my father, his best friend, John Brandone
, and our families, do our part to give back by supporting the LLSC
to help accelerate blood cancer cures and support all those currently in treatment.
