Warren Dietrich - Halifax

Warren Dietrich

Halifax NS
Canada

My name is Warren Dietrich, I am 23 years old, and in April 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had just returned home after finishing my third year of civil engineering at Memorial University and was getting ready to begin a summer co-op position, but instead I began my battle with cancer.

Since being diagnosed I have received multiple chemotherapies, radiation, bendamustine, brentuximab, a stem cell transplant, and I continue to receive maintenance treatment. Many of these treatments didn’t go as planned, but I always tried to stay positive and optimistic that my current treatment would be the cure for me. Whenever my current treatment failed to cure me, I would not lose hope. I would remind myself that there is always new and innovative research happening in the cancer field that could be the future cure for me, or maybe even you. I remain hopeful knowing that the LLSC is helping to fund new research and people are always working towards a cure for cancer.

My diagnosis put University and my future goals on pause as curing my disease became my number one priority. Cancer has given me a greater appreciation for life and good health, something that can easily be taken for granted. I’ve always tried to live a healthy lifestyle. Growing up I enjoyed yoga, skiing, running, hiking, and playing sports especially tennis and volleyball. Now I try even harder to live a healthier lifestyle through nutrition, exercising, and giving to the community. I give back by volunteering at the LLSC and donating a portion of sales to the LLSC from VIS Foods a health food company that I co-founded. Cancer has caused me to make changes, but it has never defined me.

I’m in remission now and none of this would be possible without the support I have received from my family, friends, community, and health care professionals. I look forward to the future and giving back to everyone who has helped me.

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