Entries by McKenzie Yates

“Cancer Does Not Define Me” – Torey Erdman on her liposarcoma journey

Torey Erdman is a born and raised Calgarian, working as an Operating Room Nurse at the Rockyview General Hospital. In 2021, a CT scan revealed a ‘soccer-ball’ sized tumour in Torey’s abdomen, and she was diagnosed with a rare form of liposarcoma. Recently, Torey celebrated her one-year post-surgery anniversary and her one-year of being re-occurrence-free! […]

Beverley Dunn on her Multiple Myeloma journey

Beverley Dunn was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2018. This cancer journey has taught Bev many lessons. Most of all, she learned the importance of support throughout difficult times. Today, Bev is the President of the Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society (SAMPS), helping to provide guidance and care for those facing this devastating blood cancer. […]

How Harjeet Kaur owns cancer

In May 2018, Harjeet Kaur came to Edmonton from India with her husband – hoping for a new career, a new life, and to start a family. Things were all right at first. “Everything was going smoothly; I was living my normal life,” Harjeet says. “But life had different plans.” Harjeet began to have fevers […]

Carmelina and the Nipple Sisters – Helping women own cancer

In 2014, Carmelina had a feeling that something was not right with her health and consulted her doctor about it. Her intuition was right. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with breast cancer that same year. Carmelina’s diagnosis left her feeling alone, but she was determined to push through with love and laughter. Through this journey, she […]

How Jodie Tilley is owning colon cancer

Born and raised in Australia, Jodie Tilley moved to Canada in 1996 after falling in love with the Rocky Mountains during a ski trip. After living in Halifax for several years, Jodie has been a resident of Calgary since 2005, and has made Canada her home for more than half of her life. It would […]

Calgary Cancer Centre delivered to AHS

Patients receiving cancer care in Calgary are another step closer to receiving that care in a world-class medical centre.   Watch the live key handover to Alberta Health Services for the new Calgary Cancer Centre: Calgary Cancer Centre delivered to AHS | alberta.ca

How GEDfest is supporting the Calgary Cancer Centre

GEDfest is a celebration of the impact Gordon Edgar Downie of the Tragically Hip had on Canadian culture and music. Behind the music, dancing, and good times had at this event is a purpose. For Keith, the organizer of GEDfest Calgary, the purpose is to ensure better outcomes for Alberta’s cancer patients. “It is meant […]

Krissy Chutskoff on her breast cancer journey

Krissy Chutskoff was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. Navigating this disease at a young age came with challenges, yet throughout her cancer journey, she found hope in her loved one’s support, leaning into feel-good activities and learning about the new Calgary Cancer Centre. Here, she shares her story… Tell us about […]

How Nicole Maseja owns cancer

Nicole was born in Calgary, raised in both BC and Alberta, and graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a minor in Linguistics. In 2016, she met her partner, Josh, who was from Australia and pursuing his PhD in engineering at the U of C. They were both […]

How Randy Thompson owns cancer

Randy Thompson has been working as a Social Worker for over 30 years. Although his professional experience helped him navigate through his cancer journey, it was the consistent support from his family and loved ones that gave him the strength to persevere. Here, he shares his cancer journey and what OWN.CANCER means to him. I […]