Rising Above: A Survivor’s Tale | MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre

When I was diagnosed with Stage 3, breast cancer, my world turned upside down. It was 2020, and the pandemic was in full force—lockdowns, restrictions, uncertainty. But I knew I had to fight. I began with a mastectomy, followed by 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 21 radiation sessions. Each treatment was physically and emotionally draining, but I was determined to stay positive. Before chemo took its toll, I made the decision to go to my hairstylist and shave my head. I wanted to take control of something in the process, rather than letting the hair loss catch me off guard. It was empowering to make that choice myself, and I faced the baldness with strength rather than fear. According to my family and friends-I carried it pretty damn well!