Christmas Fund: Rachel’s leukemia is in remission, but it’s paying a price

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34-year-old Rachel was diagnosed with leukemia at age 30, and her whole world was turned upside down.

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“I was extremely tired, my glands were swollen and my gums were bleeding,” she said. She said, “She was grieving for her daughter when she was diagnosed with the disease, but she mustered up the courage and she had to do what she had to do.”

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Prior to her diagnosis, Rachel had received a diploma in vocational studies in photography.

“I had to quit my job during treatment,” she said. “I had to stay in the hospital for weeks even during treatment, because with leukemia, the risk of infection is very high with red and white blood cell counts. It is very dangerous.”

After treatment, Rachel said the cancer returned and she had a blood transfusion. But when the cancer returned again, her doctor suggested she try an experimental treatment that might have better results, and she agreed last year.

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She has been in remission ever since. Both of her parents have passed away, so she says any help is always appreciated.

“I want to go back to work someday,” she said. “It depends on what happens, but hopefully one day I’ll be able to do it. I feel better, but I’m still tired, my life is not normal, I can’t work, I have skin and bowel problems. I also hold

Rachel says the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund will help her give her daughter something special this year.

“It helps reduce stress,” she said. “It will help me a lot.”

how to help

This article represents the people your donation can help. Due to resource limitations and privacy restrictions, the Montreal Gazette cannot accept non-monetary contributions. Donations to the Christmas Fund can be made online at www.christmasfund.com. Please direct all inquiries to christmasfundinquiries@postmedia.com.