The Reason

My husband, Michael, died of a terrible, horrible, no-good cancer in late October, 2022. He was diagnosed with it just over a year after recovering from his first, completely un-related cancer. Did you know that once you get cancer, it can be easier to get it again? Despite my perhaps jovial tone, the grief before and since he died has been devastating.

Finding meaning after loss is important. For me, it largely takes the form of advocacy, writing, and speaking.

The Mission(s)

  • Increase awareness and support/funding for lung cancer.
  • Contribute to awareness and improvements in trauma-informed cancer care.
  • Be a voice for caregivers.



  • Michael on the radiation treatment table in his radiation mask

    Michael on the radiation treatment table, during treatment for his first cancer. The mask is to ensure that the beams go in exactly the right spots during every treatment.

    Current Activities

    The Lung Health Foundation - As part of my work as an advocate with this organization, I will be attending the Better Breathing Week conference held in Toronto from January 21-25, 2025.

    Logo for Lung Cancer Voices Podcast - light green circle

    Lung Cancer Voices Podcast - In October 2024, I was interviewed about our experiences with large-cell lung cancer (rare) for the Lung Cancer Voices podcast. The episode goes live in Winter, 2025.

    Lumeo

    LUMEO Video for Kingston Health Sciences Centre - In August 2024, I was the patient and family representative for a Kingston Health Sciences Centre video about LUMEO, the impending health information system that staff and patients will be transitioning to, starting December 2024.

    Patient and Family Advisory Council at the Southeastern Ontario Cancer Centre - Since Sept 2023, I have been Patient and Family Advisor. I use my experiences as a caregiver and—my husband's experiences as a patient—to weigh in on policy and education at the cancer centre as well as the broader Kingston Health Sciences Centre. This has included participating in:

    • contributing to new staff training
    • discussions on family presence in the ICU
    • discussions on patient/family-friendly language and processes around the cancer centre
    • providing feedback on patient education materials
    • membership on the cancer centre's website working group
    • membership on the LUMEO Health Information working group
    • membership on the cancer centre telephone access working group
    • membership on the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Committee

    If you are a patient or family member who would be interested in contributing to patient and family-led care at the cancer centre, please consider joining us! You can contact Angela Morin, Co-Chair/Lead for Patient and Family-Centred Care.

    Patient and Family Advisor, Queen's Family Health Team - I have been contributing to the newly-formed advisory committee since its inception in August 2024.

    I am active on Instagram in cancer, grief, and widowed communities. Find me @awidowswalk

    Books