Here is a blog post that Joy wrote after treatment finished, all about the "WHAT'S NEXT"

When people ask me how I am feeling, it is usually accompanied by a “so what’s next?” 
When I was first diagnosed I had every test in the book (CT scan, MUGA scan – love that word, ultrasounds, etc.), followed by 6 months of chemo, then a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. After that was another breast surgery 6 months later, and a hysterectomy. I now have “No Evidence of Disease” or am considered “in remission” until I hit that five-year mark of being cancer free. So I am kind of in limbo. I am still very much in my cancer world, while still being able to move on with my life. So what’s next?
I currently see my oncologist every 3-4 months. This to a certain extent terrifies me.  I am happy that I do not need to see him every 2-3 weeks because that means that I’m healthy (or so my mother in law tells me when I tell her I don’t need to see him for 3 months and it makes me nervous), but it terrifies me.  The oncology department gives me a sense of calm. I see my plastic surgeon every six months for now, but after my next appointment in a few weeks I suspect that I won’t need to again so soon, unless we decide to do one more tweak. I see my oncological surgeon once a year (since my boobs are all silicone anyways, it’s close to impossible to get another lump in my breast). Finally, I see my gynecologist as needed (isn’t menopause great?). I am still doing tests every few months to make sure everything is staying as it should.
This month I have had the privilege of being invited to two Breast Cancer events. I took part recently in a fashion show for an amazing organization that raises money for breast cancer. I got to have my makeup done and wear a stunning gown. I felt like a princess. I also was asked to do a modelling shoot for an incredible clothing company. They pampered me and prepared a whole story board for my shoot. Is this what fancy celebrities feel like? I did a video for them last year while I was still in chemo, and this year they celebrated me as a survivor. 
So what’s next? Well, I get to live my life. I am back at work full time and am enjoying every second.  I am back in dance mom mode, as my daughter is not only competing with her team this year, but will be competing as a solo as well. As my hair is growing, I am discovering new hairstyles that I can do. And lastly, I am preparing for a very exciting event in January – my mastectomy tattoo that an incredibly generous and talented tattoo artist has gifted me with. So I am still in my cancer world, while also being in my “normal world”. I am enjoying life, but also enjoying the comfort of seeing my brilliant oncologist. I am learning how to be “me” again.  

​Joy

We are so honoured to have had some wonderful warriors.  With so many sick children, we will be using the proceeds for the next little while to donate boxes to the Montreal Children's Hospital.

We will still go forward with the warrior program in the future so if you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please do not hesitate to contact us!

The month of February’s warrior is the incredible, strong, beautiful 6 year old Ellie. In early December 2017, Ellie was diagnosed with AML Leukemia, a rare and severe form of cancer.  In the summer of 2018 she was well enough to resume regular activities with her friends and family.  Unfortunately, soon after starting grade 1, Ellie’s AML had unfortunately returned.

As many know, the “Swab for Ellie” campaign was created, as Ellie desperately needed a bone marrow match.  The campaign went world-wide, in a desperate search to help this beautiful little girl.

Miraculously, a match was found but Ellie still has a long road ahead of her.  Within the next week Ellie will undergo her bone marrow transplant, and then will be rebuilding her immunity and recovering for several months.  We pray this is the final step in giving Ellie a long and healthy life.
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February 4th is world cancer day, so let’s celebrate this month by fighting childhood cancers.  No child and no family should have to suffer and worry in the way that Ellie’s family has.  A portion of the proceeds from the month of February will be donated to Ellie’s charity.
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How our founder started her Cancer Care Packages:

When were you diagnosed and at what age? 
I was diagnosed in 2016, two weeks after my 35th birthday.

What type of cancer?
​Triple Negative Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I later found out that I was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene mutation.

Who or what has been your biggest motivator?
My children.  They were 3 and 6 when I was diagnosed.  The first thing I said to the doctor after being diagnosed was “Will I live to see my children grow up?”  I had to fight for them.  I could not fathom the idea of them growing up or getting married without their mother.  Life had to stay as normal as possible for them.

What advice would you give people who are early stages of their diagnosis?
Breathe.  You are in for a hell of a ride, but take a breath, and keep fighting one day at a time.  Also, keep celebrating.  It was such a dark time for our family, and we made sure to celebrate everything.  We had an end of chemo party.  We took a small vacation when the doctor allowed it.

How has cancer changed you? 
​There is not a day that goes by where I do not think about cancer.  Every ache and every pain carries a fear of my cancer coming back and metastasizing. At the same time however, I try to do more things that make ME happy.

What does recovery look like for you?
I don't truly think you can ever recover from such a thing.  Ideally recovery is filled with laughter, getting into shape, being the best "me" possible.  Right now, recovery is making steps to create a new version of myself; getting healthier day by day, and spreading awareness.  I suppose starting Joyful Packages is a big part of my recovery as I am able to step back from focusing on my own past and move forward with helping others the best to my ability.
 
A portion of our proceeds this month will be donated to the cancer charity of your choice.  Which one would you like to donate to?
The oncology department at the Jewish General Hospital.