Susie Sobel

I wake up every morning, no matter how rotten I feel or how the day is going to be, and I’m grateful to still be here. The type of cancer I had was very aggressive, and I feel so much gratitude for life. I didn’t go into remission right away, so I had to do chemo twice. The second round was more brutal than the first, but it worked. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore, it made me realise what is truly important, my family, and all the big or little joys I get to experience.

The giant strides that have been made in research give me hope. Survival rates now are so much higher than they were even 15 years ago. The progress that we’ve made in treatment because of the research has given so many people their lives back.

I am inspired by my dad, who has passed, and my mum. I’m also inspired by my kids, I have a son and a daughter who give me so much hope for the future. Other survivors also inspire me. It’s truly amazing how people get through such a difficult experience. People are stronger than they even realise.
If you’re going through treatment , it’s important to have plans to do things. I don’t know what it’s like now with COVID, but when I was in the hospital I had a pair of running shoes brought to me and a set time every day where i had to get up and walk down the hall. Have a plan to try to get up and move around. Have a schedule for each day.

And now with social media, there are other things you can plan to do, even if you don’t do everything you meant to, just making those goals is helpful in staying sane sometimes.

Also, take advantage of the social worker and the nurse practitioner. It’s hard to ask for help, but don’t be afraid. They know what they’re doing, and having someone to talk to and ask questions is important. I still remember mine, they can really make a difference in your experience if you let them.

My favorite Light The Night memory is seeing all those people, all the survivors, every year. I’ve been walking since 2005, and I come every year for the community. Another amazing part is when we stand in front of Sick kids. Seeing all those kids waving down really reminds you why the walk is important.

You’ll never forget the experience you went through, but it will start to feel like just a phase in your life. Even if like me you have medical issues after.
Even with my new normal, I still can look back at my treatment as a memory.

I also want to say THANK YOU to all the blood donors, and Canadian Blood Services.