Team Myrtle

Myrtle Turtle

Myrtle, or “Myrtle Turtle” as her family and friends called her, was an absolute dynamo with a zest for life! Absolutely beloved by her daughters Sheri & Lori, son-in-laws Alan & Buzz, and 4 grandchildren Mackenzie, Colin, Braydon & Devon, she lit up any room she was in, always the life of the party!

The photo you see here is of Myrtle celebrating her 80th birthday in style…in the back of a limo with a glass of champagne of course! Her daughter Lori, who was her best friend, arranged an incredible night of celebration for her mom. One year later, when Myrtle was diagnosed with AML, the family was devastated. The diagnosis was shocking and in the beginning it was difficult to figure out how serious it would be. Though in the beginning, Myrtle opted to fight with aggressive chemotherapy, they soon learned that the cancer was too aggressive.

Myrtle began a series of blood transfusions, a process her daughter says really opened up her eyes to the amount of generous donors needed for blood cancer patients. These transfusions gave Myrtle 14 months of a different but wonderful life. She was able to see her family and friends and continue to enjoy the things she loved like shopping, going out for meals and going to the theatre. Not only would Myrtle enjoy 14 more months, but everyone surrounding Myrtle and her daughter, Lori, were treated to kindness, comedy, cookies, and smiles, while they all endured their treatments. Because the clinic became such a huge part of their lives, Myrtle and Lori decided to make the best of it and became close to the wonderful nursing staff and many patients in similar circumstances. The joy Myrtle brought to the others battling blood cancer alongside her was evident; she was truly an angel and very inspirational.

Lori and her husband Buzz, who also LOVED Myrtle, began walking in Light The Night in 2010, making this their 10th year! They were already supporters of the LLSC and decided why not try joining the walk as well. Lori describes the walk as emotional, uplifting and hopeful. There is this incredible feeling of no longer feeling so alone in your grief when you are there, surrounded by the lanterns. It became very clear to Lori that she, and others did not realize how many different types of people are affected by blood cancer; it does not discriminate. She attributes seeing everyone at Light The Night to learning that and really appreciates that it is a fun, energetic, community event. Though she and Buzz feel very emotional remembering Myrtle, they also feel very uplifted.

One of the most impactful part of the walk for them is when they look up at the children in SickKids hospital while they flash their flashlights down. They find it incredible emotional to impart of those children that they too are not alone. Lori and Buzz continue to walk for two reasons. The first is to honour Myrtle and the second is with the hope of changing the future.