Holly was a young, active music teacher and hockey player when she was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer at just 26 years old, after experiencing difficulty eating.
Following chemotherapy and radiation, Holly underwent a 9 hour surgery which removed her tumor as well as part of her stomach and Oesophagus. “The surgery was massive. I had to learn how to eat again”
Holly worked hard to get her life back and returned to teaching but one year later, her oncologist called with bad news – her cancer had returned and it was inoperable. Holly was determined to fight and did not want to accept palliative care. She was granted access to a clinical trial and 3 months later the tumor had shrunk and there was no sign of others.
“The only reason that I’m still alive today is because of research into this cancer which is funded by charities like the OCF. The work that you do in fundraising for the OCF has very tangible, real effects in the everyday lives of people like me. Thank you.”