Tammi Garrett

Team Tammi
 

I was diagnosed with CLL in 2016.

The biggest challenge I have had so far on this journey was when I first got diagnosed and was told I had the good kind of leukemia and I may not need treatment for years as the treatment could potentially be worse if done too soon but at the same being told to “get my affairs in order”. I was not given any information on my specific type of leukemia and was left to read and research on my own which was terrifying. I decided that I would advocate for myself. After getting a second opinion I found out that my cancer was aggressive and I was high risk due to an abnormal chromosome therefore, first line therapy was never going to work for me. Unfortunately for me, I only found that all out after I had finished six months of chemotherapy. Every patient’s diagnosis is different even though it has the same clinical name. My mission is to help patients advocate to Test before Treat.

My diagnosis and treatment has affected my family in several different ways. It has been our main focus for the last five and half years which sometimes makes me feel angry and guilty as we were not able to fully enjoy the last couple of years before my boys moved out. I feel like my diagnosis robbed us all of some precious family time. On a positive note, my family has been incredibly supportive. They have been amazing with helping me raise awareness and funds. They are very aware of how important it is to remain positive no matter what life throws at you and continue to do whatever we can to help others. Getting a cancer diagnosis stops you in your tracks and helps puts things in perspective. It makes you slow down and realize we all take too many things for granted.

I was aware of the Light the Night Walk due to a friend and co-worker’s youngest daughter who bravely fought and participated in the walk ever since they helped bring it to London. Unfortunately, she lost her battle. As soon as I was diagnosed I knew I wanted to be part of friends and family team honouring everyone who have fought and continue to fight everyday. It is one thing to have a cancer yourself, but being able to raise awareness and support patients and families with a blood cancer diagnosis is why I wanted to be involved and entering a team and fundraising is the best way to give back.

Light the Night has become a huge part of my life and I will continue to do everything I can to fundraise throughout the year. It is beautiful night full of inspiration and hope which helps you realize that you are not alone.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is something I don’t wish on anyone. My mission is to help raise awareness and hopefully inspire other survivors to stay positive and keep fighting. We are all on this journey together.

I would like to thank the LLSC for everything they do. I am so thankful that they are out in our communities helping patients and families navigate through their journey.

I am very grateful for all the research that continues to take place with their help. There have been so many advances over the last few years and without research I would not be here today.