At the age of 64, which may not hold particular significance to many, each passing birthday carries immense importance for me. This heightened sense of appreciation stems from my encounter with breast cancer nearly a decade ago. Every year added to my life is a reason for gratitude, a celebration of health and resilience.
On my 64th birthday, I chose to spend meaningful moments with a group of 13 remarkable young women, most of whom were in their thirties and fellow warriors in the battle against breast cancer. The backstory to this gathering is quite poignant.
During my own treatment at the age of 54, I was introduced to support group sessions offered by the hospital. Initially hesitant, I eventually attended my first meeting, a decision that proved to be transformative. It was a revelation to realize that the camaraderie and shared experiences within the group provided a unique form of support that my loving husband, caring family, and supportive friends couldn’t fully offer. The journey through breast cancer, with its daunting challenges like chemotherapy, radiation, hair loss, and the persistent fear of recurrence, was better navigated alongside women facing similar struggles.
As fate would have it, the hospital’s support group fell victim to budget constraints, highlighting a gap in holistic patient care. Determined to fill this void, I took the initiative to establish a breast cancer peer support group in Ottawa, driven by the belief that such a community was essential for women in the region. The initial meeting saw no attendees, a setback that didn’t deter me. With perseverance, the group gradually gained traction, and despite my lack of professional background in counseling, I led these sessions monthly for the past eight years. Adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, the meetings transitioned seamlessly to online platforms, offering crucial support during a time of heightened isolation.
Through this journey, I have crossed paths with numerous women, each leaving a lasting imprint on my heart. One encounter that struck a poignant chord was with a 28-year-old facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the same age as my daughter. This stark realization underscored the indiscriminate nature of breast cancer, affecting women across all age groups. While older patients may have more stability and support systems in place, the resilience of younger women navigating this journey is truly inspiring.
On my 64th birthday, I found myself surrounded by 13 courageous young women, all diagnosed between the ages of 28 and 38. Their stories highlighted the challenges of early detection, medical dismissal based on age, and the harsh realities of cancer treatment at a young age. Despite the somber nature of their discussions on medical procedures and side effects, their unity and strength shone through.
The heartfelt gesture of a birthday card from one of these women encapsulated the profound impact of our shared journey. Her words, expressing gratitude for the support and guidance provided, brought tears to my eyes. The knowledge that I had facilitated the formation of a supportive community where these women found solace and understanding was a gift beyond measure.
In moments of reflection, amidst the bittersweet emotions that accompany these encounters, there lies a sense of fulfillment in knowing that I have helped these women discover a support system they never knew they needed – each other.