Courage, Love and Support

Last November break, I returned home from Shawnigan, excited to see my family. Instead of the cozy homecoming I thought I was going to have, my parents sat my brother and me down to deliver life-changing news. My mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts and liver.

 

Hearing those words was like a punch to the gut. I was scared, scared for her, scared for our family, and scared about the uncertain future. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in situations like this, and I certainly did. But soon, I realized I wasn’t alone on this journey. My parents and I talked openly about what this diagnosis meant, and that communication helped me process my emotions.

 

We made a decision together that we would fight this. My mom has always been strong, but this challenge showed an incredible depth of bravery for her. I often think about how she lost her own mother to cancer when I was just three years old. I believe her mother gave her the strength and motivation to fight, drawing on that past experience to inspire her to never give up even when it seems there is no way out. Witnessing her face this battle with determination and grace has taught me what true strength looks like.

 

The reality of cancer is intense and often overwhelming. There were countless tests, appointments, and conversations with doctors. The road ahead was filled with chemotherapy treatments every three weeks. Each session was an all-day process that took a toll on her both physically and emotionally. Hair loss was a harsh reality we faced together, and while it was heartbreaking, my mom maintained her spirit through it all. We looked at the positive, which was we got to go shopping!

 

Leaving my mom at home when I had to go back to school at Shawnigan after the 10-day break was incredibly hard. I didn’t know how I was going to manage it. But the support from my friends, teammates, coaches, house parents – all their kindness and encouragement – helped lift me during those difficult times. The one who especially helped me was Ms. Conroy as she would always pull me aside to let me know it’s okay to show emotion in overwhelming times and would make me talk to her about it, even if I didn’t want to talk about it. As she knew exactly how it felt and knows how important it is to talk to people about it.

 

Even on the hardest days, my mom made it a point to be there for me. She never missed a single one of my Shawnigan hockey games. No matter how tough her day had been, she would still hop on the plane to fly out every time. Having her there to cheer on my teammates and me helped show me the importance of family and support and showcased her grit and strength to keep fighting for not just herself but for her family.

 

This past September, my mom had check-ups with the oncologist. I’m relieved to share that the results have been positive! The tumors that were once very visible have decreased significantly in size and seem to be under control. Each good report feels like a small victory in our fight.

 

My mom’s journey has taught me invaluable lessons about love and the power of support. She’s not just fighting for herself; she’s fighting for our entire family. Her bravery inspires me to face challenges head-on and appreciate every moment we have together.

 

As I reflect on this journey, I realize that challenges can reveal the deepest connections we have with one another. It’s easy to feel isolated in tough times, but I’ve learned that vulnerability can lead to incredible strength. Every cheer from my mom in the stands, every moment of support from friends, and every conversation with my family reinforced the truth that we are never alone in our struggles.

 

In closing, remember that our relationships are our greatest assets; by opening up, sharing our struggles, and supporting each other, we can navigate even the darkest days. So I encourage each of you to reach out – to listen, to share, and to uplift those around you. Together we can create a community that embodies power and compassion.

 

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I hope it inspires you to cherish your loved ones and to always stand by each other, no matter the challenges we face.