Melissa Oppedisano

It was October 28th 2010 when the doctors at the Ottawa Queensway Hospital had told me “it looks like you have cancer”. The shock must have taken over me as the only thing I was able to respond with was “thank you”. After more appointments and tests it was determined that I had Stage 4 Large Diffuse B Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Looking back, it is hard to describe the feelings that were felt after hearing of my diagnosis, but I can confidently say that even though my life had been turned upside-down I knew that I needed to stay positive and stay strong. I was not going to let cancer win, this fight was mine to take.

There are many things that cancer can bring (besides the treatments and the side effects) it brings people together, and when we are together we are stronger. The support and encouragement I felt gave me the strength to fight and ‘knock out’ cancer.

I am so grateful for everyone who had helped me through my cancer journey - from my family and friends to the many nurses and doctors who helped to get me here today.

This October 2022 will be my 11th year partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as a proud volunteer and team captain of Team Knockouts I am incredibly humbled to be this year’s Honoured Hero.