Tracy Dawn is my name
Friday, June 5, 2009
By: Tracy Woodrow

During the summer of 1985, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. I had a battery of unpleasant tests and was told that I had to have my spleen removed to determine the course of treatment. I survived!

During the summer of 1985, I was in university, finishing my first practical assignment as a student social worker. I was experiencing pain and a lump in my left armpit. I lost 20 lbs in one month and I was exhausted. A trip to the doctor had me seeing a surgeon the same week. I had surgery to remove the lump. My parents told me I had cancer when I got home from the hospital.

The month of August was a world-wind as I was hospitalized three times, resulting in the removal of my spleen, a firm diagnosis and a plan for treatment. I received 8 months of chemotherapy ... the same length of time as a university year. My parents were with me all the way. My mother drove me to the hospital and came at night after work. I was too sick to be treated as an out-patient. My life was saved and I thank God and Dr. Findlay and his team for this.

I graduated in May 1988 and went on to be a social worker for 20 years. This picture is my mother, Mona, and me on graduation day, after the ceremonies. I love you Mom and Dad.

I also do this relay in remembrance of my grandmother, who died in 1973 of pancreatic cancer, and of Terri, my younger cousin, who died of brain cancer in the prime of her life. Terri's death caused me to re-examine my life and live life to the fullest.

God-speed to those survivors, victims, and the loved ones of survivors and victims. Thank you, Auntie Marilyn, for asking me to participate.