Jennifer Marley

A gift
 

16 years ago, I had Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I had a bone marrow transplant, and my brother was my donor!

The ‘gift of cancer’ builds both resilience and gratefulness. When a challenge comes my way, I know I can do it since I’ve survived worse. I’m also so grateful for the ‘bonus time’ I’ve been given. The people, life and experiences are something wonderful that I am grateful for and don’t want to take for granted.

I did experience one main challenge, however: the beginning….that weak, exhausted feeling that comes from being so sick. I recall being so sick that it was hard to stand up. Walking down stairs felt so daunting I would avoid it.

Light The Night began in Toronto the same year that I finished treatment (2004). My family and co-workers were happy to join me in supporting the walk. It was a way for us to celebrate and to give back. LTN was a tiny event compared to what it is now.

Light The Night is a night where the community comes together as one to do something good. The hope that the walk brings is wonderful. LLSC monies raised help to fund research into cures and treatments that have and will continue to make a meaningful difference in outcomes. It’s also so lovely to see all those white (survivor) lanterns while also recognizing those who’ve not been as lucky (gold lanterns).

My advice to anyone going through this is to take each day as it comes. Focus on the positive and focus on healing. Keep your sites set forward – all the good things that you are going to do when you get through this illness phase.