A Mother's Nightmare
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
By: Brenda Burgess

In the spring of 1997, our 13 month old, blond-haired, blue-eyed bouncing baby boy, Isaac, was diagnosed with cancer of the eyes.

I have always been interested in helping people....that is why, from an early age, I knew I wanted to be a health care worker. My career in this field offered many opportunities for caring for people but I found my natural inclination to lean towards helping cancer patients and their families. I very much enjoyed working in this field. I met many wonderful people and also realized the extent to which cancer affects almost every family.

Then, in the spring of 1997, my family received our own devastating news. Our 13 month old, blond-haired, blue-eyed baby boy, Isaac, was diagnosed with cancer of the eyes (retinoblastoma). In the harrowing weeks that followed, he had to have his left eye removed and replaced with prosthesis, and 5 tumors in his right eye had to be treated with laser and cryotherapy, which was only available in Toronto at the time.

A few months later, Isaac's care was transferred to the IWK in Halifax and we continued to have frequent, regular treatments there for the next 7 years. Five years ago, Isaac was given the "all clear".

I have since joined the Canadian Cancer Society as a staff member and continue to work in my field of choice,
which is helping cancer patients and their families. I truly believe in the CCS's mission to "eradicate" this
disease through funding of cancer research.

To work alongside all the amazing volunteers I have met as we battle this disease together is truly the most
rewarding experience I have ever had.

That is why I Relay! And I thank you all!