Rachael Hammersley

I never thought that a normal cold, or a rash could turn into a life changing diagnosis until it did. On February 9th of 2024, I was told that I have leukemia. 

I remember sitting in room 13 on the fourth floor of the Victoria General in complete and utter shock with a haematologist going through my diagnosis and my mom sitting next to me in complete tears. Being told I had cancer at the age of 22 was not something I ever thought could happen to me. My mom kept telling me everything was going to be okay but all I could think about was having to break the news to my sister and dad. Telling my dad and sister over the phone that I have blood cancer are phone calls and reactions I will never forget in my life. My dad and stepmom were in Ontario taking care of my grandma who was struggling with dementia and immediately dropped everything to come be with me. I remember feeling devastated and guilty that he had to choose between being with me or being with his mom. But being the man he is, he dropped everything for me and was home in the next few days. My sister and brother even went as far as getting tested to see if they would be a match for me in case I needed a bone marrow transplant. I knew at that moment that I would have the best support system I could have asked for.

Everything happened so fast. I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, admitted to the hospital, had a bone marrow biopsy, had a picc line inserted and a heart function test all on the same day. I began treatment the following day and had my first platelet transfusion. Little did I know, I was going to be in the hospital for over a month. I went from planning my sister's 25th birthday party, to having chemotherapy all in 24 hours. My life was turned upside down and everything was a complete unknown. I didn’t know what my future held but I knew I would fight with everything I had and do it with a smile on my face.

I finally went home for the first time a few days before my 23rd birthday. My hair had started to fall out and I knew it was time to get rid of it. I lost a sense of identity and who I was at that moment. But it was all worth it when I got the call on March 13th, 2024, my 23rd birthday, that the chemotherapy had worked and that I am in remission. That was probably the best phone call and birthday gift that my family and I could have received. I had three more rounds of treatment, endless hospital visits, and lots of platelets and blood transfusions. On May 22nd, 2024, I rang the bell signifying my last dose of chemotherapy. That was when I finally realized I was going to be okay and was going to be able to start living my life again.

In July 2024, I shared my story on social media in hopes to raise awareness about the rise in blood cancers in young adults. I wanted people to know the importance of listening to your body and self-advocacy. When I shared my story, I had two girls reach out to me who had recently gone through the same thing I had. The feeling I got knowing I wasn’t alone, and others had a similar experience made me feel comfortable and safe in further sharing my story. I thought at that moment that if I could help one person feel the way I felt, it would be a success for me. So, I created my Light the Night team called Footsteps for Rachael and started sharing my story and raising donations to help find a cure for blood cancers. We were able to raise over $12,000 in just three months with just donations from my community, and friends and family. I was awarded with the Gracious Hearts Award which demonstrates strength and courage while facing a blood cancer diagnosis while also having an impact in the community. That’s when I knew I wanted to help other people who were in a similar situation feel supported, and like their voice is being heard.

Since my diagnosis, I have been to Toronto to see Taylor Swift in concert, attended sporting events, reunited with some of my best friends and am back to work. I have joined the Advocacy Program with the LLSC and am looking to start the First Connection Peer Support Program. Receiving the diagnosis I did, showed me the strength and resilience I never knew I had. I wouldn’t have been able to have the courage to fight like I did without my family who spent endless hours at the hospital with me, driving me to appointments, and being with me at all times. I will never be able to thank them the way they deserve but I hope they know that they changed my outcome and life. I would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and everyone else on 8A/B at the Victoria General who were there for me at my beck and call. Thank you to the LLSC for giving me the platform to share my story!