Tamera's Story

I am Tamera and I have Hodgkins Lymphoma. In June of 2007 an ultrasound showed enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. At the time I was 6 weeks pregnant with our second child. I was given the diagnosis of cancer in mid august. My husband and I decided to try and hold off treatment until our daughter arrived.  

Two weeks before Edmonton’s first Light the Night walk a good friend put together a team to participate in the walk – The Pit Crew. The moral and monetary support provided by my friends and family brought me to tears – it was absolutely increidble.  

 Our daughter was born January 22, 2008 and I started chemotherapy six days later. My cancer has a very high cure rate. I realize that this is due in part to the funds raised by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am both honoured and grateful to be a part of such a vital organization.  

I hope to see you at this year’s Light The Night walk in Rundle Park, I know that I will be there with my team!

 Tamera is pictured here holding baby Emree, with Edmonton Walk Chairperson Asha Tomlinson, and husband James who is holding their son Kaden.

Jamie's Story 

Jamie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma two years ago, one week after her thirteen  birthday. Jamie should have been dancing competitively with her friends, instead she was in a battle for her life. This was a tough fight but she and her family remained optimistic throughout the journey. It wasn’t easy not being able to attend school for a year but Jamie’s mom and teachers were able to bring her work to the hospital. 

Jamie at a young age was faced with the reality that she would have to undergo chemotherapy, radiation and other drugs which takes a huge toll on your body and spirit.   She was not alone, she had many friends that came to the hospital and sat with her which helped her to be strong, think positive and above all have faith.

 For Jamie advances in research resulted in her treatment going well, while other patients were having more difficult battles and for some patients the treatments didn’t work.   Researach is vital to cancer patients and Jamie is grateful for all the people who join Light the Night to raise funds to support new treatments and cures. As the 2008 Honoured Hero for the Light The Night Walk Jamie also is walking for the heroes that are not able to tell their own stories.