In May of 2014, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was 64-years-old, active and in good health. I knew nothing about lymphoma. I had only gone to the doctor because my abdomen was uncomfortable when doing yoga!
Thus began my journey with cancer and CancerCare. I was scared, in shock, and had no idea what was in store for me.
To say this has been a life-altering experience for myself and my family is an understatement.
While I am optimistic that those events are behind me, I still have moments where I struggle. A cancer diagnosis can leave one with a form of post-traumatic stress that you think will never go away.
The support I received from CancerCare was wide ranging. Cutting-edge research, well trained, competent and caring staff were just the beginning. I also took part in programs and accessed resources and supports through all the stages of my treatment and recovery.
My lymphoma proved to be challenging. My oncologist recommended a stem cell transplant. That was in 2019. Now ten years later, I view myself as a tribute to modern medicine.
I wanted to pay back the care I had received. I have participated in the Challenge for Life, donated to rides for pediatric cancers, bought lemonade and made tribute donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to honour family and friends.
The word ‘legacy’ never crossed my mind, but I knew I wanted to do something a little more far reaching. I decided to make a gift in my will to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. It’s a modest amount in the big picture of donations that come to CancerCare, but all those little bits add up to make a “big bit”. I donate to many charities, but because of my own cancer experience and those of many others in my life, I decided a legacy donation to CancerCare would have the greatest impact.
Monique Gauthier
Development Manager
mgauthier8@cancercare.mb.ca
204-927-5433
