Team Jansen

On January 20, 2025 - just ten days after undergoing double jaw surgery - I was experiencing unexpected symptoms. What manifested as blurry vision turned out to be a symptom of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Blood was pooling behind my eyes due to dangerously low platelets. A routine ophthalmology appointment led to urgent bloodwork, and within hours, I was in the ER with a doctor waiting to admit me. That night, I learned that cancerous cells had entered my bloodstream, and I began intensive chemotherapy shortly after.

During induction, doctors were concerned that the jaw surgery would lead to serious complications - by God's grace, those complications never came. Throughout treatment, I endured extreme fatigue, constant nausea, hair loss, and extended hospital stays. I battled serious infections during both rounds of consolidation chemotherapy and had to isolate myself from family and friends due to being severely immunocompromised.

But through it all, I experienced profound care, support, and answered prayers. By June, I had completed chemotherapy and entered molecular remission. I am now being closely monitored by my hematology team.

This journey has changed everything. I've had to step away from nursing, volunteering, and working toward medical school - but it has also deepened my faith, clarified my priorities, and given me a renewed commitment to helping others walking a similar path.

That's why I'm participating in Light The Night Edmonton on October 4, 2025 - to raise awareness and support for other patients and families facing blood cancers.

Funds raised through Light The Night will be invested in:

Research to advance targeted therapies that are saving lives

Support services for people affected by blood cancers

Public education for healthcare professionals and the blood cancer community

Whether you choose to donate, walk with us, or simply share this page - thank you. Every bit of support brings us closer to better outcomes - and, one day, a cure.

Join Team Jansen or donate today. Together, we shine a light in the darkness of blood cancer.