Meghan

RISE & SPARKLE... BECAUSE YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE!

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on April 10, 2019 and if I had to describe my experience in just three words, it would be: terrifying, strengthening, and life-altering.

The biggest challenge being diagnosed with cancer for me was the mental aspect of it all. Of course, the physical effects of chemotherapy were difficult as well, but being told I had cancer was a life changing moment - it was the most terrifying, heart wrenching, anxiety inducing, and truthfully, sad moment of my life. Learning how to cope and accept what was going on while trying to keep a positive attitude at the same time required a lot of introspection, implementing coping mechanisms, support from loved ones, and time. I remember the fear I felt in those days being crippling - something I had never been confronted with before and never could have imagined having to deal with. Because I have gone through something difficult like this, however, I've been able to bring what I learned forward in life now, which has only made me a better and stronger person.

Surprisingly, now that I'm on the other side of it, my life has changed for the better in a lot of ways. It sounds crazy when I hear myself say that. I still wish it hadn't happened and don't wish it on anyone, but my family and I would always try to focus on the silver linings that came from my illness - you know that saying, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! For example, all the time my parents and I got to spend together that we normally would not have had because we live in different provinces. They moved to Ontario for me when I was diagnosed. I continue to try and see the silver linings in life now. I appreciate my health and every day I get to be alive, so much more than before, when I would have taken it all for granted and for that, I am thankful.

I discovered Light The Night when I saw an ad on Facebook shortly after being diagnosed and I felt like I needed to become a Team Captain and join the fundraiser in that moment. After being so personally affected, I felt happy and proud to be a part of it all - representing my team and all those affected by blood cancers. I also met Shanda, Ottawa's lead for the fundraiser, and meeting her and talking about it only furthered my interest.

Light the Night was a very special night for me. I had just finished my last chemo treatment two days before Light the Night in October 2019, and so, not only was it special being a fundraiser for people affected by blood cancers, it was a celebration for me personally with my friends and family. The night truly was magical; you could feel a sense of love and hope in the air. I think the fact that it is a walk with lanterns at night, so different from other fundraisers in that sense, makes it unique and truly a special experience for all those affected and their loved ones.

So many people are affected by cancer in general these days. You don't truly know the impact of a cancer diagnosis until you've gone through it yourself or with a loved one. It is difficult to relate or understand if you haven't experienced that, but I can say that it means the world to me, as a survivor, when people support Light the Night, so I hope people know the impact they are having by donating, and walking with us, and just how very special and meaningful that is.

My advice to someone newly diagnosed would be this: I would tell them being diagnosed with cancer is hard, there is no way around that and I can't sugar coat it, BUT what I can say, is that it gets better with time, understanding, and the support of loved ones. I would encourage people to try to remain positive (it's not possible all the time and that's totally OK), but focus on all the small wins, the love and support in your life (including the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society who can provide some great resources) and the silver linings you can find as you navigate through your journey. Nobody is alone and we will all get through this together! You are stronger than you think you are...