An Airdrie woman was inspired to volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society after beating the disease four and a half years ago.
“Getting the diagnosis is one of those things you hope you never have to go through,” said Laurette, who was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2007.
“It knocked me over. And then I thought, ‘Give me the strongest stuff you’ve got because I’m going to fight this.’”
Laurette underwent six chemotherapy treatments three weeks apart. While she was in treatment, she used a number of the Canadian Cancer Society’s resources including the wig bank; CancerConnections and Look Good, Feel Better – a program that offers cosmetic workshops designed to meet the needs of women who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
“When you look better, you feel better and that really helped,” she said.
“It is something not very many people know about and it can really lift your spirits.”
Laurette now gives her time with a number of Cancer Society initiatives: she is a volunteer driver, taking Airdrie cancer patients to appointments in Calgary, and Cancer Connections, a program that matches cancer patients with screened and trained volunteers who have survived the disease.
“It was so valuable to me to talk to someone who has been where I was,” she said.
“You know you are not alone. You get a feeling of hope talking to survivors and I wanted to give someone else hope and let them know they are not alone.”
Laurette and her family have lived in Airdrie for 11 years. Her three children are now grown but she said when they were given the news of her diagnosis, they were scared.
“I think it has a lot to do with how well the person with cancer copes with it,” she said.
“You have to realize it is not a death certificate. Humour plays a lot into relaxing the people you love. I used to say to my kids, ‘If my wigs blows off, can you run and get it for me?’”
Laurette’s latest volunteer undertaking is for the Airdrie Relay for Life. The 12-hour relay will take place overnight on June 25 at East Lake Park. At the event, people celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease.
“Come out and have a really good time for a really good cause,” said Laurette.
“Cancer affects everyone and the money raised by the Relay makes it a little easier for everyone.”
Last year’s Relay for Life in Airdrie included 21 teams, about 300 people and raised roughly $61,000.
Laurette said her favourite part of the event is the first lap around the track – the survivors’ victory lap.
“It is so emotional but in a good way,” she said. “It is such an amazing experience. As a survivor, it is incredible to see how much support is out there for you.”
She also encouraged residents to volunteer for the event.
“It means so much to the people who have gone through this,” she said.
“As a volunteer, you are greatly appreciated and that is rewarding.”
For more information, or to donate, volunteer or sign up for the Airdrie Relay for Life, visit http://convio.cancer.ca
