Member Submission
A couple of years ago, I was planning to donate a kidney to save a father to a young boy. I felt fit, but during the testing, I learned that at 53, I had stage 4 colorectal cancer. Ten months later, after chemotherapy and a 10-hour surgery, I was declared NED — no evidence of disease. Although I know it may come back, I felt like a walking miracle.
During treatment, I signed up for a few Wellspring programs. I live in Vancouver and these were online. My favourite has been Art Therapy. I found comfort in the guidance provided by the Art Therapist. I created a watercolour that came from the heart, and expressed what my treatment has meant to my mind and my body. At the encouragement of a loving friend, I plan to frame it. It serves as a reminder of a few key things for which I am so grateful: the strength of my breathing body and mind, our incredible medical professionals, my supportive husband, and the people at support organizations like Wellspring who helped me heal.
Unsurprisingly, I kept my kidney. The father has since received someone else’s and is thriving.
