Vanessa’s InspireHealth Story

I am a breast cancer survivor.  

My journey, like many others, has been marked by a whirlwind of emotions: shock, fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty.

Following a routine mammogram in the summer of 2021, I was faced with hearing those dreaded words –  “you have cancer”.   I am a mom and busy trial lawyer, so I had to quickly make significant changes in both my personal and professional life. I felt numb and overwhelmed.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation brought their own set of challenges. The physical toll was immense—fatigue, hair loss, pain, and stiffness. Now, I am still taking hormonal therapy medication for the next three years, with ongoing side effects. The emotional and mental battles continue to be daunting, as I face the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds, the anxiety of each test and scan, and the constant worry about recurrence.

Cancer unfortunately has been living rent free in my mind.  The treatment attacked not only the cancer cells but also my sense of self.  I often looked in the mirror and struggled to recognize the person staring back at me.  I was grieving and still grieve the loss of the old me.  I have had to accept a new version of me, and I have to constantly remind myself to focus on the step in front of me, not the whole staircase.

One of my colleagues told me about InspireHealth and I am so grateful for her advice.

When I made my first appointment with a counsellor at InspireHealth, I was at a low.  I had just finished chemotherapy, was about to start radiation, got COVID in between that and was struggling to cope.  I cried throughout most of my sessions.  But it was an amazing relief to share and to be heard and, with my counsellor’s assistance, I gained valuable insight as I forged my path forward.

With the help of my counsellor at InspireHealth, I was able to gather my inner strength and regain a sense of control.  In addition to counseling, I have availed of the guidance and support of the InspireHealth team of dedicated and compassionate individuals, including an exercise therapist, a supportive care physician and a dietitian, as well as attending InspireHealth’s signature LIFE Program.

InspireHealth has given me and gives to those affected by cancer expert advice and support, a community, as well as strength and hope.  I have found a family in InspireHealth as a patient and now as a volunteer.  I am so grateful for the impact that InspireHealth has had and continues to have in my life and the lives of those impacted by cancer.

My experience with cancer has deepened my understanding of how vital support and community are in this journey. This is something I witnessed firsthand with my dad as well. After his diagnosis, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support for men and families affected by prostate cancer.  His dedication, coupled with my own journey, inspires me to raise awareness of and to advocate for supportive care services.

Thank you for all that you do to support InspireHealth and patients like me.

Help cancer patients, like Vanessa, live their best life possible by giving generously

Join us Saturday, March 8th for Rain Walk 2025, our biggest community event of the year. This inclusive event raises funds to support FREE programs and services that improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of people affected by cancer and their loved ones.

With patient visits up 167% annually since 2020, the need for these services is greater than ever.  This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to ensure even more cancer patients and their families can access the care they need.

Rain Walk is open to everyone! Walk with us at one of our 3km or 5km community walks in Vancouver, Victoria, or Kelowna—or take part anytime, anywhere, in a location of your choice.

Can’t join us? Donate today to support free supportive cancer care services — every dollar makes a difference!