✨!LIGHT THE NIGHT TIME! ✨
As many of you know, our clinic does fundraising for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society via Light the Night in Saskatoon. Every year we have tried to do a little more, and last year we were able to raise over $1000 for Light the Night!
Haylie’s Story:
Another year has come and gone! Back to fundraising for Light the Night for 2018, and although many people know why I have chosen Light the Night as my fundraiser I want to share my story.
My dad, Hank, was diagnosed with CLL when I was in school. This type of LEUKEMIA, unlike others, is a type where treatment in the beginning is to “do nothing”. Over the next 10 years or so, dad went through a variety of monitoring, chemotherapies and appointments. February 2012 he received a stem cell transplant – his brother Stephan was a perfect match. The transplant was successful and although he was dealing with some graft versus host, he was in excellent shape compared to some. Tragically, my uncle Stephan passed away in June 2012 from a heart attack, despite multiple cardiovascular stress tests undertaken to be fit to be a donor. Unfortunately in 2016 during routine scans, further cancer was found – CLL again, just slightly different “mutation” from the last one. He has been doing well, and thanks to many drug advancements has been effectively treated to date.
had the drugs that are available now, been available when dad was going through stem cell transplant, he likely wouldn’t have needed the transplant in the first place!
Because of treatment options available to him my dad was able to:
*See me graduate from University, and get a job in my chosen profession
*Watch me get engaged
*Helped me move into my first home
*Attend my wedding and walk me down the aisle
*Welcomed two grandchildren (and a grand-dog!)
*Helped and supported me open my own business
*Been present for countless events, big and small and celebrate with our family and friends
In discussion regarding some of the treatment options, we were told that had the drugs that are available now, been available when dad was going through stem cell transplant, he likely wouldn’t have needed the transplant in the first place! I believe that this cause, raising money for research and to help support families is a huge part of progressing treatment options and ensuring that we can get the best outcomes for our family members, coworkers, and friends that are diagnosed with blood cancers.
~Haylie
What are we doing at the clinic THIS YEAR and how can YOU help?
*We are kicking off this year with a FUNdraising FUN RUN & BBQ on June 3! We have multiple distances for people to run, jog, or walk (2km, 5km, 10km) with 100% of proceeds going to Light the Night! Not only do we have a run happening, we will also be doing a BBQ at the Warman Co-op!
Stay tuned throughout the summer and fall to find out more ways you can participate in our FUNdraising this year!
