Mayra

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 follicular lymphoma while training for a marathon. I was no stranger to cancer. In 2005, I lost my mother to gallbladder cancer. Soon after my diagnosis, I was put on watch and wait and continued to train running my fifth marathon to keep my body strong and mind focused. In 2013, I began chemotherapy treatment.

In spite of all of the challenges that I encountered during and after my treatment, I have a positive outlook and attitude. With various setbacks post treatment and with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis in 2017, I now live in what I call the “grey zone”. Meditation helps me manage pain and anxiety and allows me to listen to my body more intently. I am currently back on watch and wait.

Through my blood cancer experience, I learned that everything happens for a reason and every event – whether positive or negative – gives me a chance to grow. I am happy I now have an opportunity to give back to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada by volunteering when I am physically able to do so.