This is a very special year for me and my family as it marks a remarkable milestone of hosting our 10 ^th  annual Melville Multiple Myeloma walk! It’s hard to believe that that many years and walks have passed! I’m thankful to be able to bring family, friends, the community and those touched by Myeloma together year after year.

My story starts long before this. Back in 2003, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I figured I could either confront it face-on or let it overtake me. With my family by my side, I took on the battle for my life. One year after starting treatment, I underwent my first stem cell transplant. It was a success and put me into remission for 6 years. During this time, I discovered that life as I knew it, how my mind and body were affected, and how I saw things had changed dramatically. I adjusted to my “new normal.” 

In 2010 I relapsed and underwent my second stem cell transplant, again proving successful. Then, three years later, in 2013, I relapsed for a second time. This time was different as I was no longer a candidate for a transplant, so I started on a treatment plan that thankfully put me into remission once again. It’s now six years later and I continue to be on a maintenance program that keeps my myeloma in remission. I am grateful for the doctors, researchers, and advances in medicine that have brought me to where I am today, living a happy, active life with myeloma!

Over the past 16 years I feel that I have played an important role in being an advocate

and raising more than just awareness for this disease. After my initial battle, I wanted to give back. I took the initiative to help others fighting their own battle by sharing my story and experiences and became a peer sponsor. I know first-hand the importance of having someone you can talk to who has gone through the same experiences as you, someone you can confide in and draw strength from.  To those I’ve sponsored,

I feel that I’ve provided an ear with which to listen, a shoulder to cry on and a sense of security and hope.   A disease like this can certainly weaken the spirit of those who have it, but with my amazing support group behind me, I have tried my best to stay positive and in turn, I’ve learnt a lot about myself along the way.  

Lynn and her family: Christy , Dave, and Stacey.

In 2005, I decided that it was time to embrace my cancer journey and participated in my first Relay for Life which was an emotional experience like no other. For the next two years, my family and I continued to be a part of this amazing walk. In 2008, I decided that I wanted to do something even more. I became a part of the Myeloma Canada family and hosted Melville’s first ever Multiple Myeloma March. My family, friends and community stood behind me and completely embraced it! And here we are, 10 years later, celebrating our 10 ^th   Annual Multiple Myeloma March. Unfortunately, there were two years within this time that, due to treatments, I was unable to host a march but I still celebrated our cause quietly. These marches have allowed me to contribute approximately $75,000 directly to multiple myeloma for continued research! Those funds are a direct result of the generous support from my family, friends and community. For this I am beyond blessed and thankful.  

Being a 16-year cancer survivor does not come without fight, determination, courage and inner strength . All qualities that I discovered I possess throughout this process and for which I am forever grateful. My cancer journey has not been an easy one. I was tested beyond measure, as anyone who has had cancer can attest to. But despite all this, I have remained strong, I have never asked “why me” and above all, I have accepted this as part of my journey through life.  Through all the trials and tribulation, treatments and appointments, I have tried to not let cancer break my spirit. I continue to believe in hope and faith. I was taught along the way to always look for the silver lining, to never give up fighting what’s worth fighting for, and to live life to the absolute fullest. I am blessed to be here to share my story and to treasure each and every moment I am fortunate to have here on this earth.

Lynn with her grandchildren

To those fighting their fight, always remember this...

You are braver than you believe,

Stronger than you seem,

Smarter than you think,

And twice as beautiful as you ever imagined.

Lynn Hoffman

16-year Multiple Myeloma Survivor

You can donate to the Multiple Myeloma March until the end of the year.

To donate, click here . 

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