Navigating Cancer as a Caregiver, Patient, and Mother
It all began while I was on maternity leave, just enjoying watching my boys, Elliot and Benjamin. Then, just before his third birthday, Benjamin was diagnosed with leukemia. His treatment and well-being, along with being there for my younger son, became my entire focus. There were a lot of emotions, and we were navigating so much that it wasn’t until two or three months into his treatment that I decided to make an appointment with my own doctor, for a lump that I discovered under my chin.
When I visited my family doctor, he suggested I undergo a series of tests, including several scans and an MRI. I will never forget when I got the results: “highly suspicious of malignancy and spreading.” I broke down thinking, could this be cancer? Is this really happening to our family again?
My doctor referred me to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, a place I’ve always known of, and where my grandmother was treated. I was filled with a mixture of fear and hope but was deeply grateful to have such a world-renowned Cancer Centre close by.
Almost four weeks later, Dr. Yao called me at home and told me the news that it was adenoid cystic carcinoma – a very rare and aggressive type of cancer. The next steps were getting fitted for my radiation mask, then after that, going through 33 rounds of radiation – every day, Monday to Friday.
“I really felt comforted during the worst days of my life.”Sarah DeMelo Kearns
Cancer Survivor
I know how isolating facing cancer can feel. When Benjamin was first diagnosed, I actively searched for others who had shared their journeys, and connecting with them gave me a sense of comfort. Their stories offered me a glimmer of hope, which is what inspired me to share my own experience with a rare cancer.
I realized that helping remind someone that they aren't alone is incredibly powerful, whether that’s achieved by sharing my story today or by someone walking into the Cancer Centre and seeing the Doves of Hope displayed in the atrium. When you see all the Doves together, for me, it represents a community rallying together and spreading hope to each other.
Dedicate your Dove and Let Hope Fly
When you dedicate a Dove, you’re not only honouring someone, you’re fueling groundbreaking cancer research at The Princess Margaret.
Dedicate your Dove today to inspire hope for cancer patients and their loved ones.