For a limited time, your investment into local cancer researsch will double this GivingTuesday. iA Financial is generously matching all donations up to $25,000.
The Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba is home to a unique set of single-cell technologies that is allowing scientists to advance ovarian cancer research that will help develop new treatment options. These scientists are committed to developing new strategies to treat an individual’s type of cancer. At the root of this is understanding how individual cells interact with each other. This is why investing in single-cell technology is so critical.
Why Manitobans like Terri need your help.
What began as a routine doctor’s appointment for Terri led to multiple tests including ultrasounds and an urgent MRI. Ultimately, Terri was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February of 2021 in the midst of the pandemic.
After her diagnosis, Terri’s care team moved quickly. She was referred to a specialist and underwent major surgery within a month’s time. This was followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. Less than a year after her diagnosis, a CT scan thankfully showed no evidence of cancer. With support from her family and friends, Terri looked forward to returning to a more normal life.
The day before Terri was to return to work, she learned the cancer had returned.
The second diagnosis was more shocking than the first. Although Terri felt healthy and was looking forward to returning to a job that she loved, she found herself once again preparing for rounds of chemotherapy. This time, the treatment took a heavier toll on her body and the side effects were more severe.
Mentally, it was also challenging. Her oncologist informed her that a recurrence in ovarian cancer is hard to treat with few treatment options that offer longevity. This time, her treatment plan was intended to manage symptoms and ensure a good quality of life.
Research using single-cell technology is critical for patients like Terri. With your help today, scientists at the Research Institute will be that much closer to creating individualized cancer treatment plans, changing the future of Manitobans impacted by a diagnosis.
“When you are given a diagnosis that doesn’t have a cure, it changes how you think. It’s very emotional.”
Today, Terri is symptom free.* But it’s expected that one day, the cancer will fully return.
Terri doesn’t know when her cancer will return. She has strong support systems in place, but, not surprisingly, there are days anxiety and worry creep into her mind. Despite all of this, Terri is living every day as fully as she can and trying not to worry about how many days she may have left. She makes very intentional choices about how she spends her time and does the things that matter to her the most. Like staying active and spending time with the people she loves, in particular her young grandsons.
“I’m still hoping they’ll have a lot of years to make memories with me and that they’re good memories.”
*<insert the difference between symptom-free and cancer-free.>
Share your passion. Change the world.
This GivingTuesday let your family and friends know cancer research in our province is important to you. Use the hashtag #ForYourTomorrows in your social media feeds. You just may inspire others to join the movement too.
Follow local Manitobans on Instagram to learn what #ForYourTomorrows means to them:
