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My story starts during my second year of high school. I was eager to return for another year with my new friends, and to see what new challenges awaited me. Never did the thought cross my mind that one of those challenges could be a life-threatening illness. In November 1999, I noticed a lump in my neck and from then on it was test, after test, after test. I was not until the New Year that it was confirmed that I had Hodgkin’s disease. I will admit that the disease was frightening in itself, but what I dreaded the most was the treatment. It was hard to hide the arduous effects that the bombardment of chemotherapy had on my body so the biggest part of the challenge would have to have been to continue on with my life as normally as possible- but I was determined to do so and never once did I let it stop me.

Even after almost three years of remission, I am still hesitant to use the term "cancer survivor". What most people don’t understand is that this is something that I have been, and will continue to be, dealing with for the rest of my life. At the back of my mind is always the fear that I may one day relapse. There is a certain amount of helplessness around this thought, but rather than dwelling on this idea I have used this as motivation to push myself further than I ever would have if it had not been for this disease.

Good Luck With the Ride Boys,
~Margot

For me, her Dad, the initial diagnosis was a very difficult time. It seemed so very unfair that a beautiful and vibrant young girl would be stricken with this disease. Telling Margot of her diagnosis was the most difficult moment in my life. After some initial tears, questions, and doubts, Margot resolved to fight the disease. We decided to learn all we could about cancer and Hodgkin’s. As our knowledge increased so did our concerns but also our hope. Margot was very brave throughout all her tests and treatments. I know that there were many times she felt very sick but she never complained, she was always very positive, she continued as normally as possible with her studies, sports and friends. She is an amazing young woman.

The most memorable moments relate to the co-ed soccer league I coach in. Margot has been on my team for more than seven years. Margot was in the middle of her treatments when the season was about to start. I asked if she wished to skip soccer that year, as I was concerned that she would not be strong enough to play. She insisted on playing. She continued her treatments and she played all season. She demonstrated great courage and I was very proud of her. The best moment of all was the tests that followed the completion of her treatments. Her tests confirmed that she was in remission, as she continues to be to this day, nearly three years later.

~Dominic