Like so many Manitobans, Brenda’s family has been deeply impacted by cancer. Their lives were changed forever when two of her sisters passed away from cancer within a short period of time. Today, 16 years later, Brenda herself is living with cancer and making the most of every day surrounded by the people she loves.
Brenda is thankful to donors like you, who support research at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba and the options your generosity has provided for her own cancer treatment.
“When my sisters were sick, immunotherapy wasn’t an option for them. And today, it’s saving my life.”
Prior to her diagnosis, Brenda was focused on living a healthy lifestyle and intentionally trying to reduce her own risk of developing cancer. She maintained a healthy diet and walked daily with her husband Frank.
In the fall of 2021, following an MRI, she was surprised to learn that there was a tumour on her lung.
“I was completely caught off guard and in shock,” said Brenda. “At the time, both of my daughters were pregnant, and I was determined to get well and meet my grandchildren.”
Following radiation, Brenda learned that she qualified for an immunotherapy treatment that would train her immune system to attack the cancer cells in her body.
It’s through donors’ continued support of cancer research that Manitobans like Brenda have access to new treatments and therapies that can give them more time with the people they love.
The therapy was successful and today, Brenda’s cancer is stable.
Throughout her journey, Brenda’s family has always been her inspiration to keep going, stay healthy and not give up.
“My family has been so deeply impacted by this horrible disease to which we have lost far too many. They have provided me with the strength and encouragement to fight. I am so thankful and appreciative to all the people who invest in programs and local research at CancerCare Manitoba, they are giving me hope for the future.”
