I was completely blindsided. As a new mother, I never imagined I would face a life-threatening illness. My world was filled with love, and the anticipation of motherhood until my body, which had already endured so much, started to betray me.
My name is Jen, and I’m a wife, a mother to a miracle baby, and a cancer survivor. What followed my diagnosis of Stage 4 Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma was a journey I would never have expected, but one that I now know I was meant to face.
It wasn’t easy. After years of heartbreaking infertility, my miracle baby was born just as my body began to show signs of something terribly wrong. My health weakened during pregnancy, but it wasn’t until after the birth that my symptoms escalated. I experienced night sweats, shortness of breath, and a sense of helplessness that doctors dismissed as normal, but everything changed when my physician dug deeper and ordered additional tests. That’s when I found out I had lymphoma.
I was already grieving the potential loss of the future I envisioned for my daughter. How could I leave her behind so soon? I doubted that I would make it through, but Lymphoma Canada gave me hope. Knowing I needed to regain some control, I sought support and resources from Lymphoma Canada. Through their resources, support, and guidance, I found not only strength but a community of warriors who understood the fight I was in.
Their resources helped me to better understand my healthcare plan. Researching my diagnosis not only helped me navigate my healthcare path, but it also gave me the tools to actively engage with my healthcare team, track my medications and symptoms, and make informed decisions about my treatment.
Cancer treatment wasn’t easy. Chemotherapy made it impossible for me to hold my newborn baby due to the high toxicity levels. Yet, every day, I had one reason to keep fighting, it was for the future of my daughter!
Sharing my story became a source of healing. Now, through Lymphoma Canada, I continue to share my experience in hopes of helping others facing uncertainty.
Every journey is different. Some days will be harder than others, and it’s okay to laugh and cry in the same minute. Strength and bravery can coexist with anger and joy, and it’s okay if you don’t always have the capacity to comfort others. But through organizations like Lymphoma Canada, you can find the tools and community to help you advocate for yourself and navigate the unknown.
Thanks to ongoing cancer research, I received the treatment that saved my life, without the advancements funded by donations to organizations like Lymphoma Canada, I wouldn’t have been able to celebrate my last day of chemotherapy. However, even as I celebrate remission, I know the journey isn’t over. I still face challenges, like my recent diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder, and routine blood tests every three months.
That’s why your support is so crucial. Research makes all the difference. Every dollar donated to Lymphoma Canada helps fund vital cancer research, support programs for patients, and create a community that fights together! With your help, more patients will have the chance to fight their battles and create the futures they deserve.
I am living proof that cancer can be defeated, but it takes the entire community, patients, doctors, charitable organizations, and donors to come together. It was through cancer research that I received the life-saving treatment I needed, and your donations fund that research, which continues to save lives.
Thank you for helping me and supporting Lymphoma Canada’s research program. Your donation today will make a direct impact to the lives of lymphoma patients like me.
Jen – Cancer Survivor and Lymphoma Warrior
Jen’s story is a testament to the profound impact Lymphoma Canada has on the lives of lymphoma patients. Every day, we work to transform their lives by funding research, providing vital resources, and supporting patients and families. However, we cannot do this alone. Your support is essential to ensuring that lymphoma patients receive the care, research, and community they need to fight and survive. Your generosity helps Lymphoma Canada continue to create a future where lymphoma is met with hope and not fear.
Lymphoma Canada is the only registered charity in Canada focused solely on lymphoma cancers. For over 27 years, we’ve been a lifeline for thousands of lymphoma patients. With your support, we can help more patients like Jen. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
