Lock Out Cancer 2023 campaign stresses the importance of screenings, early detection
Kathleen Turner's life took a major turn when she rushed herself to the hospital after suddenly experiencing a "stabbing eye pain" on the right side of her face.
After 13 hours in the emergency department, she was told it was the result of a cancerous brain tumour.
"I was terrified. I don't know if I believed it. It took time to process what my surgeon was telling me," said Turner, recalling her diagnosis in Dec. 2021.
In the months that followed, she would undergo three surgeries — two of which happening within a four-day span — before becoming an ambassador for the Windsor Regional Cancer Foundation's 2023 Lock Out Cancer campaign.
The foundation celebrated the end of its sixth Lock Out Cancer campaign Sunday with a special ceremony, honouring all five of this year's campaign ambassadors.
Lock Out Cancer rallies the community throughout the month of May to support cancer research, treatment and patient care.
According to the foundation, more than $100,000 was raised this past month to Lock Out Cancer — adding to the $500,000+ which was previously raised during the first five years of the campaign.
This year's campaign contributed to the acquisition of advanced surgical tools, enhancing the quality of care and recovery for breast reconstruction and other cancer-related procedures.
Houdia Kassem, executive director for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, said there were an estimated 3,200 new cases that walked through its doors in 2022.
That equates to more than eight new people every day.
"It lends to the importance of screening and to remind our women in our community to get screened," said Kassem.
"I know it's laborious and nobody wants to do it but it's key to your health."
In total, the foundation added, there were 110,000 visits last year for lab work, oncology appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
For Kassem, these numbers point to the urgent need for people to make an appointment for a cancer screening before it's too late.
"We don't want to see you walking through the cancer centre's doors. We don't want you here. Instead, we want to make sure you're doing the preventative measures so that you don't have to come to the centre to be seen," she said.
"The pain of a mammogram is nothing in comparison to a lifetime of an illness you don't want."
As for Turner, who is still undergoing chemotherapy, the 26-year-old said early intervention could haved saved her from having to go through emergency surgery.
"If I could have done more MRIs beforehand, I would have done them" said Turner.
She credits the doctors inside the cancer centre for helping her navigate what has been a very personal and challenging journey.
However, those very same doctors require ongoing support from the community as this campaign returns for years to come, she added.
"I never thought, at 25, I was going to need ths foundation," said Turner.
"Your family might need this foundation. Someone you love might need this foundation."
When asked what keeps her going every day, Turner points to her family and friends, positive mindset and the cancer centre community she has come to know and love.
"I have the best oncologists and nurses I could ask for. I even had the best surgeons and nurses when I was in the hospital," said Turner.
"I couldn't ask for better support."
Click here to learn more about all five of this year's Lock Out Cancer campaign ambassadors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.