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This year, our hearts are filled with both gratitude and sorrow as we walk for the Light the Night event. My incredible wife, Lisa Galati, has shown immense strength and resilience, emerging victorious in her battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her journey through years of therapy has been a testament to her courage and the unwavering support of our loved ones.

However, our joy is bittersweet as we remember Lisa’s beloved sister, Mandy Kalyniuk, who fought bravely against leukemia but sadly lost her battle. Mandy’s spirit, kindness, and love continue to inspire us every day. She remains a guiding light in our lives, reminding us of the importance of hope, love, and perseverance.

. Let’s keep walking, keep hoping, and keep lighting the night.

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October, 2023

This story I have is a 61 year me talking to my 60 year old self.

Dear Trevor

2023 will be a very emotional year for you. Half way through the year you will lose your father.  He will die of natural causes along with a broken heart.  Your mom will never know this as she has dementia and this will be the silver lining during this darkish time for you and your family.

Fast forward 4 months and that dark cloud be get a bit bigger you will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma B-Cell (NHL).

You will have a grapefruit sized tumor beside your left lung. Don’t worry about that description, things will soon be better, hang in there.

This will be a lot to take in, no matter what no matter how things are spun it’s still cancer.

Lots of things will go through your head, do not use Dr Google for any information, the team of doctors and nurses will guide you and hold your hand right from day one, trust them.

Your treatments will be every 26 days for 6 months.  One day will be blood work then 2 days later IV treatments for 10-11 hours then the next day a short 3 hour IV of chemo.

Your rock will be none other than Dina, she will also be there from day one. The support you will receive from her will be  like nothing you could have ever imagined.  From the minute your eyes open no matter the time she will be there.  Even when your eyes are closed, she will be there.

There will be a few trips to the emergency in Cobourg, don’t worry about these, they will be stressful and time consuming but much like the doctors and nurses for your treatments they will take care of you.

Fast forward to March and your latest CT scan will tell you of an 88% shrinkage of the tumor!! This is amazing news and the start of a recovery that will soon have you in remission.

As you sleep your way through treatments you will discover the power of not only prayer but positive thoughts and well wishes from the many people that you call friends and of course family.  From the encouragement of a soon to be friend Joedy Tapp you will document your journey through a few social media platforms.  This will become a platform of treatment information, test results and banter between you and 40 plus friends and family, enjoy it use it!!!

Now as July 3rd reaches you, you will get some amazing news.  Your tumor is essentially 99% gone, you my friend are in remission.

Enjoy this news it was a fight, you will become a warrior but not without the love and support from the entire group of people that have taken the time to support and love you through this bumpy road.

You will kick cancer’s 🤬!!!

I’ll leave you with something  that will help you on a daily basis.

The devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm today. I whispered back I am the storm. “

Trevor

October 7, 2024

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Hi my name is Kylie Tootoosis

I was diagnosed with non Hodgkin lymphoma on October 24th 2007, when the doctors told my mother I was sick she started crying I was sitting there wondering why she was crying then she explained me to what what was wrong with me. I was only 13 years at the time. I been through a lot especially with all the Surgeries I had I was so sick I only about 90 pounds. I had really bad reaction two cancer drugs which made me looked liked a leopard from head to toe, I also broke the 4th vertebrae in my back who know how I did that I guess my bones were that fragile they thought I had bloods clots. Going into my into my grade 9 year was toughs things I had to go through In my life I was bullied alot because I wore a wig and I was bald and with no hair. With being bullied that whole year I became a stronger person than who I was, and now o don’t take anything from no one. This October I’ll be 17 years cancer free, I’m so happy to still be here I got a second chance life so there is a purpose for me still be here. I was also told I wasn’t able to have children but I have 2 beautiful children a 9 year old boy and 19 month old daughter. I’m proud to say I’m survivor 💚

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In 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It happened so quickly, that it turned my life upside down in a matter of a couple of weeks. Burkitt's is a very aggressive type of Lymphoma, and it came out ways that I didn't think it could possibly be cancer. From back pain, jaw pain/numbing, profuse sweating, I didn't know what was happening to me.

I went to the ER 3 times in 1 weekend, and no one thought to do blood work. Each time I was sent home with Advil saying it was just muscle pain. My family doctor sent me for blood work, and I was called into his office the same day, but it was unclear what it was. Eventually, the back pain put me in the hospital, and eventually was admitted to unit Oncology unit. After much testing, I received a diagnosis that changed my life forever.

After 5 months and 4 rounds of chemo, terrible side effects, and a lot of emotional anguish, I received the best news possible. I received remission status. It took me a couple of years to get back to my old self with the help of my family and friends. I was beyond overwhelmed, as I couldn't believe the support I was receiving and felt so loved.

I changed my entire life around and made my happiness priority as you only get one life. There's no time to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy every day to the fullest. Life is too precious. :)

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Sisters for ever that’s what we always said( You cut that forever short too soon)

Growing up with my sisters with close tight relationship

It was the best that anyone could ask for even through the distance living apart. It never stopped us from daily FaceTime for hours and sharing laughs and stories.

Even in sickness 😰 we shared

On November 28, 2024, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

On December 14, 2024 my sister Magda was diagnosed with leukaemia

We still shared everything supported each other FaceTime during our chemotherapy sessions

My sister taught me everything that I know, but she forgot to teach me how to deal with the void after losing her on July 31 😰

I will always cherish our cooking,vacationing or just being silly together

You will always be my butterfly 🦋that float around and check on everyone every single day we feel your presence

We will keep your memory alive by lighting the night

I miss you. I love you and you will always be in my heart forever.💔

I want to tell you or you probably already know my Angel 😰I am in remission now

Pray for us🙏

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I let my light shine in memory of my beautiful daughter Maria Muscari who lost her battle on November 2022…..”our blue butterfly you are missed beyond measures…..you will never be forgotten”

Love mom

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'We have truly lost a beautiful soul': Quebec woman, 22, who sought experimental treatment dies of cancer

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Less than two weeks after being airlifted home to Montreal from a cancer treatment centre in Texas, 22-year-old Maria Muscari died Wednesday morning.

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Shining Light on the Darkness of Blood Cancer

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Shining Light on the Darkness of Blood Cancer

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You see, there are 3 realities for every cancer patient. There is life before cancer, their life during active treatment, and a new life post treatment. The challenge for every cancer survivor is to find a way to merge those realities into one singular life, despite the inevitable anguish of accepting the significant changes often forced upon us by cancer.

It took many years, and what seemed like endless tears, for me to find peace with my new reality. I traded in a disease that was trying to kill me quickly for multiple chronic illnesses that I will need to manage for the rest of my life. I deal with GVHD, chronic fatigue, chemo brain, pain, and PTSD, among others. I still grieve the loss of my former life and the future that I had planned for myself, but I am so proud of how far I have come and am excited to see what comes next. Back in December 2017, my body dared me to die, so I dared it to live. And I did.

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At just 11 days old, I am taking the first step and showing my support for my Dad, Nathan McMahon.

Here is my story:

After trying to conceive for 3 years, my Mom and Dad were blessed to get pregnant with me at the beginning of 2023 - I am a rainbow baby and an IVF baby. In fact, out of 12 embryos, I was the only one to make it - they call me a true miracle. While I was still growing in my Mom’s tummy (@11 weeks gestation), we found out my Dad had cancer.

Here is his story:

“An interesting range of emotions over the last 5 months. It started just before Easter with a concerning ultrasound. And (hopefully) ended with 8 rounds of chemotherapy in 16 weeks to win the battle against Hodgkin Lymphoma.
… it started with panic of the unknown and (fingers crossed) is now ending with a positive cancer free journey as I enter into fatherhood.

First and foremost, I cannot personally or professionally thank my amazing wife enough (she’s a Nurse Practitioner). This process would have looked substantially different without her knowledge, experience and never ending support. I’m extremely grateful for everything she has and continues to do.

To my family and friends, thank you. Thank you for the unwavering support, texts and calls. The news of this was not, and still isn’t easy to explain or discuss. After experiencing this myself, if you or someone you know who is going through this process needs to talk, I will always lend an ear.”   - Nathan McMahon

*****************************

Cancer is a thief.

Cancer has stolen so much joy from us this year and replaced it with worry, stress and heartache.

One week before my Dad’s last chemotherapy, we found out our beloved pup, Boomer (aka B) also had Lymphoma. His prognosis was not good and I never got to meet my big bro. My parents say that he remained a happy pup until he crossed the rainbow bridge a month before I was born.

*****************************

Our current situation …

A month after ringing the bell for his final chemotherapy, my Dad found out there was a secondary concerning mass on his PET Scan which needs a biopsy. We are all hopeful it will be benign and we can go on and enjoy our family time together without anymore distraction!

My parents say I have been the GLIMMER throughout this tough year. I have been their guiding light.

Thank you for reading our story.

Cade McMahon

******************************

Glimmers: "I learned about a term called "glimmers". Which is the opposite of triggers.
Glimmers are those moments in your day that make you feel joy, happiness, peace or gratitude. Once you train your brain to be on the lookout for glimmers, these tiny moments will appear more and more."

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I am 10 years in remission. I live life to the fullest and I know we can beat this together. I believe in miracles and we are miracles. My beautiful life long friend has just been diagnosed and I want her to know she too is a miracle and we are rooting for her. Addie Mac Donald you are loved and cherished by all who know you. You got this Esmarelda.

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My son Noah is my hero, he wears purple for his cancer. He was diagnosed in Feb 22 at age of 15 with Hodgkin's lymphoma. He did 4 cycles of aggressive chemo lucky radiation wasn't needed after chemo. He always kept a brave face a smile and a thumbs up even though I know he was scared to death during treatment, with allergic reaction to chemo and other drugs. He attempted to play hockey during his first cycle and they won the championship. Chemo took a toll with neuropathy so he had to learn to skate and get his balance for the next season of hockey.
Sick kids was amazing with him as well as us his family. We need this awareness to raise money to help all those in need fighting cancer.

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It’s been 10 years for me, since being diagnosed with APL. My fight might of been easier than others, I never felt alone because my family was with me every step of the way, I consider myself very lucky, thankful and grateful. We continue to participate to shine a bright light and give hope to others.
Judy Barcelos and family.

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Meet Team Stronger Than Strong. We have been walking since 2018. Originally we started walking in memory of the local artist George Murphy my dad who battled AML. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and everyone’s best friend. George lit up every room he entered and always told the best jokes.
George was born and raised in St. John’s he turned a lifelong interest of art into a successful career, his talent shows no boundaries. He was a commercial artist, window dresser, set decorator and designer for CBC TV  for 20years. He was also the instructor and professional artist at the college of trades.  His artwork graces many private collectors and at the St. John’s City Hall, where a painting of marathon of hope runner Terry Fox hangs today. In memory of his sister, who passed away with the same cancer at the age of 5.
He battled cancer, for several years but in the end AML took his life on September 16, 2013.

Then in 2020 Team Stronger Than Strong added another reason for walking. In honour of Abigale Latoszek,my granddaughter , the great granddaughter of George. Her personality couldn’t be anymore like his- full & vibrant. From the ages of 5-8, Abi battled ALL and rang the Bell of Hope in 2022!!
Today, Abi is nine years old and such a little fire cracker.
She loves to dance, sing and play the piano. Her favourite time is spending time with her cousins and good friends. Abigale was our Honoured Hero for 2022 🧡🎗️💪🏻

We walk for them. We raise money for the research for other families going through a loved one with blood cancer. We walk with pride and hope because we are a Stronger Than Strong family & friends team!

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I was diagnosed with NHL in October 2022. After a very long and difficult winter of treatments I'm Cancer Free! I'm very motivated to support my fellow blood cancer patients and the most excellent organization: LLSC. I'm going to continue to recover this summer, and then light it up in the fall!

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Walking for my Mom (Mary Murray)who had CML❤️❤️❤️

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Walking for my Mom (Mary Murray)who had CML❤️❤️❤️

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Twenty six years ago I was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkins Lymphoma six weeks after giving birth to my second son, he’s the tall guy with glasses standing behind me💕. Participating in Light the Night always reminds me of how lucky I am and how thankful I am for cancer research and all the doctors, nurses, researchers and volunteers that helped me through my fight!! My family and I walked along the beach in beautiful Cobourg Ontario. They carried lanterns with red lights in support. I am a survivor because of events like this and the love and support of my family and friends!!

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Joe's Journey!

What a journey it has been, and still is.

I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on June 8, 2020. A day in my life I will never forget. It was in the height of COVID when I became sick, visiting the ER was useless and getting bloodwork was impossible.

My family doctor did what she thought best, after treating me with antibiotics for Tonsillitis, still not feeling well she sent me for a COVID test, and that was negative. Soon after that I had to call on my dentist because my tooth that I had a root canal in became infected, though this tooth shouldn't be acting like this my dentist said. He proceeded with taking it out, confirming that it was strange the tooth acted this was, this totaled two more rounds of antibiotics.

Finally, I landed back at the ER, after being long overdue the bloodwork was completed and Leukemia was detected.
PLUS! at this point they are not sure if I will make it through the night.

This is a wonderful opportunity to Thank you ALL who donate blood and blood products. They say it can take up to 8 donors a week to help someone with Leukemia and it can take two donors a day to help someone go through a Stem Cell Transplant.
You saved my life!.

Receiving this diagnosis, during COVID, like many others all alone in the ER without loved ones surrounding them was very difficult. Though I knew at this point I wasn't alone so I asked God for my healing, and from then I just thanked Him.

I want to take a moment and express my heart felt gratitude for those of you who surround me.
My wife continuely stands by my side. With encouragement and helping us keep our eyes on the positive even on the days when we had to get the magnifying glass out to find it.
My children, with your strength and support your research and encouragement on this road.
My brother and sister who without a thought went and got tested to see if they were a match because I needed a Stem Cell Transplant and their support goes way beyond that.
My mother and mother in Law with all there prayers and again so much more. Like taking care of Axel and our beautiful Granddaughters especially when we went to Halifax for the stem cell transplant.
My sister in Law for managing the GoFundMe page for financial support. YES thank you each and everyone who helped with that.
My work family with all you have done for me and my family, and even now with your encouragement to say "when are ya coming back? We miss you!".
The list goes on and on... our friends with your calls and text messages and food drop off I am so grateful. My old buddy Greg who came by with a Tim's tea and he isn't even here now. I think it goes without saying an amazing support team means a greater success for me. I can not forget, all the team of health care workers who have taken such good care of me and is continuing to do so, from St. Claire's to the Health Science Center and the Halifax, QEII Health Science Center. With all the prayers from our church family and our prayer warriors, Thank you.

You know in my worst days, I never thought for one second "why me" I would think about that child who couldn't get a match or like a friend I met who didn't survive this same journey or the family who have been waiting for there first child who when born was born with severe health issues. I would take those opportunities and lift them up in my prayers.

At the end of this month it will be two years post Transplant WOW and my health has continuously improved. I want to givevback, by reaching out again to you all my great support team to help with this cause...

Our Goal is to raise $250 or more for research in blood cancers in this "Light The Night" fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Thank you in advance, please follow the link to donate...

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5 years ago I lost my Dad to AML, he fought long and hard and lost his battle on April 16 Easter Sunday Morning. He was 61. I layed with him until they took him away. Being an only child a big part of me went away that day. This is why I participate in light the night every Year to honor him.

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I help light the night for my fellow warriors past & present. May our lights shine brightly enough to bring comfort & hope to those still fighting. 

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I help light the night for my fellow warriors past & present. May our lights shine brightly enough to bring comfort & hope to those still fighting. 

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YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE, UNTIL BEING STRONG IS YOUR ONLY OPTION.

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Monique Stratton, MLA Andrew Smith, Makenna Stratton and Geoff Stratton, photographed at the Manitoba Legislature on October 3, 2022

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Every year, 48 children are diagnosed with cancer in Manitoba. One of those children lives right here in our community. Makenna Stratton has always been a loving, caring, and energetic child with many friends. In September 2021, she was so happy to be starting Grade 7 at Christ the King School with her peers. After nearly a month in class, however, she caught a flu virus, which, owing to COVID-19 restrictions, kept her home for two weeks.

Following what should have been her recovery, Makenna’s energy failed to return to normal, and she began complaining about headaches and back pain, all of which were completely out of character. On Oct. 20, her mother, Monique, brought her to Urgent Care at Victoria Hospital for a blood panel test, as it was believed Makenna may have been low in iron. Within an hour, they were directed to Children’s Hospital at Health Sciences Centre and given a sealed envelope to submit immediately upon arrival. They were set up in a room in Children’s emergency room with Dr. Stacy Chapman, who solemnly proceeded to tell them something no one wants to hear — Makenna had acute myeloid leukemia, AML.

This form of leukemia is a high-risk, aggressive, blood- and bone-marrow cancer that requires extremely aggressive treatment. She was admitted that day and set up on a clinical trial. Her chemotherapy began on Oct. 22nd. Before her started, she graciously opted to have her long hair shaved off and donated to make wigs for others undergoing chemotherapy. It was then that the reality of the journey began for Makenna and her family.

Her rigorous treatment plan was five cycles of adult-strength chemotherapy, just over 100 doses, and countless blood and platelet transfusions, all of which took six-and-a-half months to complete. She spent 203 days on CK5, the paediatric cancer ward at Children’s Hospital, and 13 days in pediatric intensive care, fighting for her life against a neutropenic infection. During this most difficult period, Makenna’s father, Geoff, continued working full time and running their household while her 15-year-old brother Tyler went to school. It was virtually impossible for them to focus on anything else; as it felt like their world was falling apart, and it would have, if not for the continual support of family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, schools, and their church. Throughout the winter, their doorstep was blessed with daily hot meals and care packages, and their driveway was regularly shovelled. Fundraisers and blood donor clinics were also organized by an extended network of friends and volunteers from many organizations.

While Makenna was enduring her battle, this overwhelming community support allowed her family the ability to focus on what they needed to do. One group in particular that supported Makenna’s cause was the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group of Manitoba and its director, Naomi Fehr, who raised $27,000 in 24 hours after reading a post from Monique about her daughter’s situation in January of this year. The money raised fed all of the families in the pediatric cancer ward through to the end of February. Monique spent an entire quarantine period, 18 days straight, isolated alone in a single room, caring for her daughter, as COVID had made it’s way onto the paediatric cancer ward.

After so many difficult months I am happy to say that “Mighty Makenna” as she came to be known for her courage and bravery, was discharged from CK5 on May 10 and she rang her remission bell that day.

Oct. 22 will mark the one-year anniversary of Makenna’s first chemotherapy treatment. Over the past year, Team Mighty Makenna Stratton has been participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Light the Night, a fundraising campaign for blood and bone-marrow cancer research. Please consider making a donation in Makenna’s name by Saturday, Oct. 22, to help her reach her fundraising goal. These proceeds will help others fighting cancer in our province, so that one day they too may ring their remission bells. For more information about making a contribution, call 1-833-222-4884, or visit their direct website.

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Our daughter and hero. Brave, charismatic, and confident… at just 7 years old we have learned so so much from her ability to persevere and pursue life. Loved beyond words. ❤️

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Shining our light in memory of our wonderful mum, partner, friend and colleague. Our 5th year of LtN. Morag received incredible support from LLS's Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators at such a difficult time. They gave her, and all of us, hope and the certainty that no stone had been been left unturned. All power to the researchers working to find new treatments to AML.

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Hello everyone. I would like to take a minute to share my Dads story, as this time last year we were saying our goodbyes.

Many of you know that my Dad Don,  battled ALL Leukaemia for the better part of three years. This time last year he relapsed and the cancer came back stronger than ever. He was given two months, and was preparing for palliative care. Our world was coming to an end. Until, Dad was offered a spot in the clinical trial out of the Cross Cancer Society known as CAR-T Cell Therapy. This ground breaking treatment involved separating Dads T-Cells out of his blood, modifying/programming them to recognize and fight the leukaemia cells in his body.

Thanks to this treatment and his amazing doctors and nurses, Dad remains cancer free to this day! He received the treatment in January of 2022, and remains cancer free today!!!!

Words cannot describe how thankful my family is. Organizations such as the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society have contributed through funding for treatments such as these. Everyday I am grateful that dad was presented with this opportunity to be in such an amazing clinical trial that saved his life.

With all that being said, it is that time of year where I will be fundraising to support the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society, so that they can continue to support Clinical trials that have the potential to save peoples lives, and support those families who have lost a loved one to blood cancer. Below I have attached the link to my donation page, every little bit helps!

Thank you to all of those have been supportive of my family through this journey, and thank you for taking the time to read Dads story ❤️

My heart goes out to the many families who have lost loved ones to blood cancer.

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I was diagnosed with AML in November of 2017 at the age of 57. I had no symptoms and it was only discovered because of my adherence to getting a yearly physical as part of “Movember”. Movember is an annual event raising awareness of men’s health issues.

As with most people receiving the news my wife and I were devastated. We’ve never heard of AML and had no idea what was to come. I was admitted to hospital within 5 days and began treatment right away. AML proved to be stubborn and took 2 induction and 1 consolidation chemo treatments, over 15 weeks, before I received my Stem Cell transplant March 1 of 2018. Anyone familiar with AML treatment knows what my wife and I went through both in hospital and at home recovering.

Unfortunately I developed another incurable, chronic condition only months after my transplant which landed me in hospital for another 4 weeks in September of that same year. Through it all, my continuing recovery from the AML treatment and the challenges of this new condition, I try and stay active as best I can and I volunteer regularly at Vancouver General Hospital as a way of giving back to the great care and attention I received there. I also try and stay active in the blood cancer community as best I can.

LLSC offers such a valuable service to those facing a blood cancer diagnosis that we donate not only to Light the Night but we also donate through a regular monthly donation.

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I was diagnosed on June 4, 2014. My journey has been a long one with lots of ups and downs and I have always done my best to stay positive. Due to research I have had the chance to manage my disease with several types of medications and treatment. My medical team and I are very confident that I will be hearing "you are in remission" in the very near future for the first time since I started treatment in 2015. There was a time over the last few years that I did not know if I would be here to see my boys get married. A couple of weeks I danced with my oldest boy at his wedding and it is a moment I will never forget. I am now looking forward to many more memories and milestones with my family and friends. I live by our team motto, Never Surrender!

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I let my light shine for Teresa. She is my best friend. She was diagnosed in April 2009, and at that time they told us she had 18-24 months.....she's still here. In that time she had a baby (my Godson Porkchop), went into remission, came out of remission and fights like hell. She left an abusive husband, found new love with her beautiful wife, and lives everyday as if it could be her last. I know her time her is short, but I'm grateful for every moment I have with her.

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Tonight I'm shining my light for my dad who was diagnosed with AML in January 2021 and thankfully in remission. We are thankful to the teams of healthcare professionals that acted quickly and decicively - but treatment is not the same as a cure.

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On Oct 11/21 Second Year Anniversary of my Stem Cell Transplant-I had the privilege of hosting my Donor and his family from Napean Ontario 🩸 I am very Blessed to be so Healthy after a 2 year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia!
My Family & Friends have always been there for me - they came through again this year to help me exceed my Fundraising Goal of $10,000.
“One person can stop a great Injustice.One person can be a voice for Truth. One Person’s kindness can Safe a Life”
Gerri Corcoran - Survivor

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I would like to share a beautiful quote by His Highness the Aga Khan IV

"The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know".

During my husband's illness, that is what I had faith in - the word "Hope".

Blood cancer has come a long way and together we will fight this illness. Sending hope your way.....

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Never realized how much they look alike until this picture

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My dad was diagnosed with CLL the same year my daughter was born. My daughter is now 11 💜 and she couldn’t love her time with Grampy more! While it is hard for him to do this things he wishes to do, he is here to share his love. Life might be slower and full of naps, but we make sure to find the laughs along the way.

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My Mind Still Talks You.
My Heart Still Looks for You
My Soul Knows You are at Peace.

After a very short battle (11 days) after diagnosis, We lost you to AML,
Acute Myleoid Leukemia, but NEVER FORGOTTEN.   HHH❤️❤️❤️
Memories are the Stars, that Brighten our Dreams
!!!

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Our daughter Maria Luisa fell to leukemia in 2008 at the age of forty-three.  She was in the prime of her life: raising three children with her husband Jamie, leaving her mark on her school as a teacher, and brightening many, many lives.

As the years slide by her parents and siblings miss her as much as ever.  Gabriela and Lucia now hold university degrees and are members of Canada’s Olympic Team, while Nicholas is a high school standout. Her three children would make her proud.

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My family & I shaved our heads in support of my Uncle Les who was undergoing chemo & radiation for an AML diagnosis (circa 2005)

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I am letting my light shine both for myself as I wage battle against a rare chronic blood cancer diagnosis, as well as for my Uncle Les who passed away from AML 15yrs ago now.  He was and remains my biggest inspiration!!

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In loving memory of Battista Caputo - an amazing Father (Papa), Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Son, Cousin.  We lost too soon and miss deeply everyday.  Such a kind, good-hearted person that left your mark on so many hearts and will never be forgotten.  Love you Papa 

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In loving memory of Battista Caputo - an amazing Father (Papa), Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Son, Cousin.  We lost too soon and miss deeply everyday.  Such a kind, good-hearted person that left your mark on so many hearts and will never be forgotten.  Love you Papa 

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Passed away after a 7 month battle from Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer and other health complications. I walk and donate to support research for this cancer (every cancer) and honor my Father.

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Emiley for 14 years we were blessed to have known and loved a feisty girl who could bring a smile to the faces of everyone she encountered.

A gentle soul with a deep love for dogs and all animals alike. A passion and dedication for basketball and the volleyball that could be seen in every game she played....she will always be everyone's favorite MVP.

Emiley will be fondly remembered with great love by her family, friends and teammates.

Whenever you miss me look to the skies, for I can be found each time you see a butterfly on the breeze.

forever14🧡
May 18, 2005- July 29, 2021

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I have been lucky enough to be cancer free since January 7th, 2020. I'll never forget that day as a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I had undergone chemo for 6 months, taken a physical beating and an even worse mental one. I had been so focused on being positive and beating cancer that I didn't even consider that my chemo could have failed.

For weeks after I would meet up with friends and family and they would well up with tears of joy when I told them the news. They would look at me with admiration, proclaiming "Wow, you beat cancer!" They expected me to be ecstatic and relieved, but to be honest, I wasn't. Sure, I had beat cancer, but I wasn't so sure it wasn't going to come back. Since then I have had scares of similar symptoms and have undergone numerous blood tests and CT scans with the fear that they might find another tumor. It's been a roller coaster of highs and lows that almost kept me from fundraising this year.

Lucky for me, anaplastic large cell lymphoma is curable and the chances of relapse after 2 years of remission is highly unlikely. But for others, the fear of relapse is a daily concern and in worse cases a reality. This year I'm fund raising for the survivors. For the ones that walk alone with their head held high and keep their fear and anxiety to themselves to protect their loved ones. You're not alone survivors, there's more of us out here than you think.

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Lawrence Paul Hetzel - LP was a shining light in this world.  He was diagnosed with T-Cell ALL on July 18/2017 and passed away on August 15/2017.  He fought like a warrior for 28 shorts days.  He left a fiance who he was to marry 6 weeks later.  He was a fiance, son, brother, cousin, friend, coach and mentor.  He never got to meet his beautiful daughter born July 11/2020 via IVF.  Team Hetzel walks in London, Ontario Canada and in Baltimore, Maryland USA. We Light the Night for all those battling blood cancers and to help find a cure.  No one should lose a loved on to this awful disease.

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An amazing and dedicated Father, husband and Papa.
We lost you too soon and miss you everyday.
Your memories are never forgotten. You left your mark on so many hearts. It still seems like yesterday when we lost you. When I close my eyes I can feel your hug and see you so clearly.
Love you Dad

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In December 2020, just before Christmas, I was in extreme pain. It was so strange. I finally got blood work preformed and it confirmed what I never imagined could happen to me or my family.  I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer does not run in my family. I was pulled down into a world without my family and friends. A world with big scientific words I’ve never heard of or wanted to hear. A world where statistics were not my friend. A dark world where I could not see my way out.
Needles, biopsy’s, catheters, bloodwork, transfusions, ct scans, xrays, multiple doctors and nurses- my first day was so scary. I was by myself with no one to hold my hand. Covid restrictions at the time were that no visitors are allowed to go in. When I heard the news that I had to start chemo immediately and that the “induction” period was an average of 28 days in hospital my heart sank even further. Leaving my 5 year old daughter  and husband was the hardest part. I had just dropped her off at school that morning then I disappeared. It was the hardest thing I’d ever had to do was stay isolated from everyone.
The next day a social worker came into my room and said I could have a visitor. My husband came up and we melted down. I’ve never felt so lost. Christmas my mother was allowed to visit. She was my last visitor for the rest of the induction period as Ontario went into a strict lockdown. I was so blessed with amazing understanding nurses.

This was just a glimpse at what a patient endures during their first week or so being diagnosed during a pandemic.

In total I spent 124 days admitted into a hospital. 2 inductions, 1 infection and 1 Stem Cell Transplant.

Today I’m doing well and see the light. My daughter is my light. I will fight to be with her every day, every year - I have no choice but to be strong.

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Created this team for my Dad, Don who is fighting ALL for the second time.

To the strongest man I know. I love you.

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In 2019 I had my own battle with ALL and thankfully I was able to conquer it. I'm lighting the night to bring hope to those still fighting and to the families who have lost loved ones. Together we can beat this, in the words of Rihanna, Shine bright like a Diamond!

Never Give Up!

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Team Paige

We light the night for all that are battling this disease.  Our daughter Paige  was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia when she was 5 years old and she is now 9 years old!!  It is something we are very passionate about and want to help anyone else that has to battle this!!

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For those who have been touched by cancer

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For those who have been touched by cancer

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I lost my mother to cancer 20 years.  Although it was not a blood cancer, I am walking in support of the amazing research being done and that will benefit the entire cancer community.

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I let my light shine for those living with blood cancer & those working relentlessly to find a cure.

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I let my light shine for my momma Bear, inspiring and strong survivor of CLL who proudly participates every year in Light the Night. The event means so much to her, our family and she rocks her Survivor shirt whenever she can. Love you mom! <3 xo

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10 B4 10 - Stanley Park Cycling Challenge

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10 B4 10 - Stanley Park Cycling Challenge

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I light the night for everyone in our community who has been affected by a blood cancer. This year I’ll be doing 10 laps of Stanley Park in Vancouver to raise funds for research and patient services.

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I've set a challenge to walk 411km from June 1 to July 31 in honour of all of the people who have shared their stories with me over the years.

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I shine my light in honour of the bravest man I know!

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Je fais briller ma lumière pour Maddie!

I shine my light for Maddie  and all the warriors out there!

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Convinced my whole family to join me in my weekly challenges as we fundraise our way to blood cancer cures!

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I shine my light for all of the Honoured Survivor and Remembered Heroes of 2021

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I shine my light for all of the Honoured Survivor and Remembered Heroes of 2021

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See you on October 23!