Harjeet, Canada
In 2018, my life took an unexpected turn when I moved to Canada with my husband, hopeful for a new beginning and the prospect of starting a family. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with stage IV Subcutaneous Panniculitis T-cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. This diagnosis propelled me into a whirlwind of medical tests, treatments, and, ultimately, a stem cell transplant.
My journey through cancer was filled with relentless challenges, including the transplant during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with my brother as my stem cell donor, giving me a second chance at life. The immense difficulties of chemotherapy and the transplant were made bearable by the unwavering support of my family and friends, who became my lifeline during this tumultuous time.
Throughout this experience, I encountered numerous setbacks, including vision loss, early menopause, mental stress, and various side effects. However, these hardships ignited a passion within me to become an advocate for cancer awareness and support. I found solace in sharing my story, volunteering, and raising awareness, particularly within the South Asian community, where discussions around cancer are often stigmatized.
To address this stigma, I co-founded Chai and Hope, a South Asian cancer community aimed at breaking cultural barriers and providing a safe space for individuals and families affected by cancer. Through this platform, I work tirelessly to foster open discussions about cancer, raise awareness, and offer support to those navigating their cancer journeys.
As an advocate, I work to dispel misconceptions about cancer in my community and beyond. Through sharing my journey, I hope to encourage open dialogue about cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. I’m actively involved in organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, using my platform to document my recovery and spread cancer awareness to a broader audience.
My goal is simple: if one person finds hope or strength through my story, then my efforts have made a meaningful impact. I also emphasize the importance of a strong support system, both from loved ones and within the cancer community. The connections I’ve made through support groups have alleviated feelings of isolation and brought shared wisdom that has enriched my journey.
The challenges I’ve faced—vision loss, early menopause, and mental stress—have been daunting, but they have also catalyzed profound personal growth. Instead of succumbing to despair, I’ve channeled my experiences into positive actions, volunteering and sharing my story to help others. Through this, I’ve transformed adversity into a source of inspiration, not only for myself but for others navigating their own cancer journeys.
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Hk_Thriver
Instagram: @Hk_Thriver
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harjeet-kaur-2047a714