Glenda Sartore
Sherwood Park AB
Canada
I am an AML Survivor; diagnosed July 2015
The biggest challenge in my blood cancer experience was Unrelenting nausea during the treatment (for about 6-8 months). I lost so much weight it was alarming. After the treatment, it was the fear of relapse (this has been ongoing, but now to a lesser extent), especially since the diagnosis came out of nowhere - this is why my one word to describe my blood cancer experience is "shocking." I had tried to live a healthy lifestyle.
A lot of people have asked me this over time, how my life has been changed by a blood cancer. I take a little bit more care how I spend my time; time feels a lot more precious. I don't necessarily assume I will have a normal lifespan like my parents who are both in their 80’s. I have always had a strong value for family and relationships, but I treat time itself more preciously.
My sister Melinda inspired me to join Light the Night; she started walking the year I was in treatment. Melinda started walking because of the wonderful, caring, kind and compassionate nurses in 5F4 who were already walking in LTN. Melinda was our first team captain, and then she handed the torch to me a year or so ago. It takes a strong supporter to kick off a team; early on, I don't think I could have managed captaining a team, as I was feeling traumatized by the whole experience.
Light the Night has been a real community thing. It has been very emotional to be part of LTN, to see all the love and care that is present there and to see that others show up for people like me, who have been struggling. Part of the night is very contemplative - creating the light in the dark is a powerful symbol. I also really appreciate seeing the 5F4 staff at the walk. It is moving for so many people to show up, partly for me and partly for others who are still struggling. It is a powerful and emotional evening.
To support LTN by COMING to this event is life-changing in itself: to be part of the community of people, to walk with a lantern, to acknowledge that many people have died from this disease and to see that their support has helped many people survive the disease. It's so visual. We can see, by the lanterns, how Canadians' support of this event makes a difference. We, as caring people, create light in the world and for those facing the darkness of this devastating disease. To support LTN financially is really needed - we really need scientists to work on treatments and understanding of this disease, because anyone can get it - it just comes out of the blue. That research is really, really important. And then in terms of supporting patients - people with this disease often can't work for a long time after diagnosis. They need support financially and emotionally. It’s very powerful for me to see the red lanterns carried by all the many supporters. I know many many people helped me survive leukemia and we all have to be there for others battling this disease.