This past June, Sam and Melanie Simpson’s daughter Melissa was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. A 10 cm tumour was found in her chest.
“This diagnosis has set a course for our family that we could never imagine would be happening,” Melanie said. “Our daughter is married with three young girls. She is a strong, brave young woman who is a warrior against fighting cancer right now. She is currently doing round five of 12 rounds of chemotherapy.”
September is Lymphoma Month. It is an important time of year for everyone to know the symptoms of lymphoma and to be checked, even if you feel healthy. Melissa maintains a healthy lifestyle and completed the Vancouver Sun Run three weeks before she was diagnosed. Although she had symptoms, she believed she was young and healthy and did not recognize the symptoms of lymphoma. By the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had spread to her spleen and she was classified as Stage 3b.
The Simpsons wish to raise awareness and funds for the fight against lymphoma. Sam has had a chiropractic clinic in Gibsons for the past 30 years, the Simpson Health Centre. On Sept. 29, for the entire day, 100 per cent of all chiropractic visits collected will go to the Canadian Lymphoma Society. As well, Melissa’s friend Erin Schramm is pledging to run the Nike Women’s half marathon in San Francisco on Oct. 18. The Simpsons want to help Schramm achieve her goal of raising funds, which will also go directly to the Canadian Lymphoma Society.
To pledge your support, see the Nike website at www.teamintraining.org or contact the Simpson Health Centre at 604-886-3622.
