Mary Dooley

Mary's Interview

How has your life been changed by a blood cancer?

"I feel like it has changed in almost every possible way. I definitely spend a lot more time living in fear, but I am also more grateful for the littlest things.
I do find that I put pressure on myself to be appreciative for every single moment, when in reality, some days are just hard and that’s okay!
With us all having to stay home, I am so glad to be able to spend time with my kids. I didn’t get that time when I was going through treatment. When I was inpatient, my biggest motivation was getting home to my kids, so it’s so nice to have so much time with them now."

What gives you hope?
"My kids definitely give me hope, they bring me so much joy. I often think about all the amazing staff at the hospitals! Especially now, when they’re under so much stress. It’s such a comfort knowing how hard they work and how much they care.
I tend to operate by focusing on getting from one milestone to the next. And I think that’s what we all need to do right now. Just take it one day or one step at a time."

Who inspires you?
"My 7-year-old is incredibly inspirational. She reminded me that we always have to do Light The Night, because we have to be team players. At such a young age she really gets the sense of community and helping others. I’m also inspired by the LLSC staff and other people who are willing to do so much for the cause even in this difficult time. I saw the match campaign by the Collis Family, and I find generosity and dedication like this such an inspiration.

There is another person/group who inspires me and gives me hope: other survivors. I find so much hope when I meet survivors or see them online and in social media. Every success story inspires a little faith in me. For instance, I had seen Margaret Lynch online before, and knew a bit about her story, and that she is a 30-year survivor. I met her for the first time last year at an LLSC event at the Mars Building (she was speaking, and I was there volunteering). It was such an honour to meet her, and I find comfort in hearing her story. Also, seeing all the white lanterns at Light the Night is another huge source of hope, comfort and inspiration. Knowing that others have been in the same boat. Everyone is at a different stage in their journey, but all share that common thread."

What advice or message would you tell someone who is in the thick of treatment during COVID?
"Going through treatment is hard on a normal day, and it’s definitely hard now. Some days are going to be better and some days are going to be harder. Just take it one day at a time."

What is your favourite Light The Night memory?
"I am always really apprehensive about asking my family to come to Light The Night, so my favorite memory is having my family insist on coming. My family WANTED to be there with me, and that’s so special. Also seeing all the kids up on stage dancing is so wonderful. It brings a lot of joy to an emotional night."