Katie Preeper

While I was going through it, I was so young that I did not understand what was happening. For my parents, I know it was incredibly frustrating. I know they had to really fight with doctors to actually get my diagnosis because at the time, my medical team was not convinced that my symptoms were conducive with a cancer diagnosis. When I finally was tested, obviously it became apparent that something serious was going on.

I think knowing that I had cancer, I am more understanding and sympathetic towards people who receive any form of diagnosis. I think it has really made me more empathetic overall. It's a big reason I am going into Social Work and would love to work in a children's hospital to help kids like me!

Growing up, I was always involved in fundraisers. When I found out about Light The Night, and that it raised money for blood cancer which is so personal to me, it made it an easy decision to get involved. I also volunteered in the Halifax office with the Atlantic Region staff, and always heard them talking about it, so that also helped! It's a community. It's nice when a group of people like you come together, in a space that's safe and supportive. It's so much fun. I also work for a great company, and they all came to support me that night. It just meant a lot to me.

It's such a great opportunity to raise a lot of money for important research and programs. It's also nice that if can be something they do year round. It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to raise a lot of money. Once you have been to the event, people really get it and understand the importance of what it means.