Émilie receives bone marrow from an anonymous donor in 2002 at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
This month, she returned to see Doctor Mitchell at the Montreal’s Children to celebrate five years since her bone marrow transplant.
Émilie Van Winden was diagnosed with leukemia in 1999. A seven year battle ensues: multiple chemos, in 2002 her cancer comes back strong, more chemos and radiotheraphy, bone marrow transplant, severe skin damage due to rejection, artificial hip implant.
This year Émilie participated in our Yukon expedition with a dozen other young former cancer patients. She had had the chance to participate in a previous expedition in 2000, but gave her spot to Marie-Hélène, a hospital friend. It would be Marie-Hélène’s last trip.
This week, Émilie celebrates five year’s since her bone marrow transplant. In other words, not remission, but complete cure. She shares with us what it means for her to return to normal life:
Early this month, I celebrated my 5 years of remission. In fact, on the 4th of June 2002 I was being given the biggest gift ever, life!
For me, 5 years means :
- Reaching an awaited objective;
- A challenge overcome;
- The summit of a mountain;
- Continuity of life;
- The pleasure of finally being CURED!
Above all, it’s the accomplishment of a team’s incredible work. To all that read these lines and that know me personally, I THANK you all!
To all that are still fighting, I tell say to you : always believe in yourself and always keep hope because it is the magic hand that brings us towards recovery.
