Support Alyson

Woloshyn’s Warriors Tour Begins Fall 2009

Donate Now!

I have always believed that you need to put back in more than you take out. I have tried to live this philosophy by donating my time and money often. I believe that we all have a social responsibility to improve our community and I hope that through my example, others will also look to donate their time and money and put a little back into our shared global pot.

I have always wanted a way to mobilize a large number of people to make a significant difference. I have known that I have the network and the planning skills to do something really significant. I just couldn’t seem to find the right motivation, the right inspiration, the right personal touch that could bring this network together in a meaningful way.

On May 7th, 2009, I found that missing piece when I was told I have a Glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor that can never be removed.

At 32, I was told I have a lethal incurable cancer.

If I could have chosen another motivation, a different way to inspire, something with maybe a little less personal touch – well the answer is obvious, I would. However, this was not my choice; it was given to me and I do believe that you are never given anything that you can’t handle. My health, my age, my support network, my medical team, my attitude, all of these resources have existed previously and have prepared me to be able to handle this journey with strength and inspiration. I may not have chosen this path, but I will choose to use the journey to make a significant difference.

One of the most significant moments for me on May 7th was when my chemo oncologist talked about my treatment plan. It is intense, including 6 weeks of concurrent radiation and chemo, followed by a 4 week recovery period and then more chemo therapy for up to a year. (Treatment and monitoring will be lifelong however the next step in my survival plan will depend on how I respond and continue to respond to treatment consequently it’s a bit of a wait and see situation currently). My chemo oncologist indicated that my chemo therapy drugs alone would cost $50,000and that all the costs were covered – I didn’t have to worry about being out of pocket.

FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS…

And that doesn’t include radiation, my oncologists and nurses time to research, prepare and monitor my treatment, psychiatrists and counselling support, plus all the other hospital staff and other resources that are going to be invested into keeping me alive. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I lived in a country that cares about my health that much. I am grateful every minute that I can take all these resources out of the pot and use them without the requirement to put anything back in.

The week after diagnosis I began thinking about –

How, in this situation, am I going to be able to put more in than I take out?

For the first time I felt that the task was too huge. I felt I was taking way too much out. Although I know I am not required to put anything back in, my values required me to act on this opportunity and to make a significant difference.

However, I know that I need to focus on my health; take time for appointments, research, strong nutrition, rest, exercise, visiting with loved ones, meditation, writing, all the things that will assist me in surviving. When I look at both huge tasks, trying to put something significant back in the pot as well as taking care of myself, I can feel very overwhelmed.

I know I need help. I am grateful for the overwhelming support from friends, family and strangers , that I have and continue to receive every day. I know if I have the right target, I can mobilize this network into an Army that will fill back up this pot I have been given and create that significance difference I have looking to make.

The Cause – Alberta Cancer Foundation – Brain Specific Research Trials and Grants – http://donate.albertacancer.ca/netcommunity/woloshynwarrior
- Every dollar raised will be put specifically into research that will try to find a cure for MY “incurable” cancer.

One of the amazing things about my medical team is they are researching cutting edge technology and treatment to fight primary brain cancers, like Glioblastoma. Brain cancer only makes up 2% of all cancers and there is not a lot of research on what causes primary brain cancers to exist. My medical team is a neuro-focused team that is studies brain cancer specifically and their research will undoubtedly find a way to keep me a survivor. I am no scientist, so I cannot provide any help to my team in their research. But we all have talents and I am an event planner and a connector. My role on the team is now the fundraiser which will help keep my medical team in the research lab and me surviving because of their work.

My survivor story will unfortunately be a long story. Treatment and monitoring will take years and I have been told that life without cancer is not an option. However I know that I am ready for this journey and I will choose to make this journey the most positive of my life. I hope that many will choose to join me.

To support this journey, I launch the Woloshyn’s Warriors Event Tour – A series of events, over an undefined period of time that will work to raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation – Brain Specific Research Trials and Grants.

 

I Want to Help – What is my next step?

· Set up a monthly or one time donation TODAY online through http://donate.albertacancer.ca/netcommunity/woloshynwarrior - If mailing a donation make sure to clearly direct it to Woloshyn’s Warriors Tour – Brain Specific Research Trials and Grants. Please send me an email after you have made your donation.

· Visit www.alysonwoloshyn.com regularly and follow the Woloshyn’s Warriors Event Tour. Once dates are posted, plan to attend and bring a bunch of friends with you.

· Think about any event you are going to or planning and ask yourself “Could I raise a little money for the Woloshyn’s Warriors Tour?” – If the answer is yes , commit to running a Woloshyn’s Warriors Event – Contact me if you need any help with directing the donation

· Got an Idea for a Big Event – Contact me and let’s work together

 · Read and promote my blog – Add my blog to your RSS feed and follow my story. Send the link out to friends and encourage them to follow me and join the tour.

· Join the Facebook Group – The_Spectacular_Comeback_of_AW – which I will use to help coordinate events.

Best way to contact me is email – I can be reached at alysonwoloshyn@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting this page, for your interest and for your support. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, hearing about the events you are hosting and thanking you for your donation.

I look forward to talking with you soon and often.

Alyson Woloshyn

Brain Cancer Survivor

Copyright alysonwoloshyn.com Contact me - alysonwoloshyn@gmail.com