Brenda’s Colon Cancer Journey

Hello! Brenda needs your help.

As a healthy Deaf mother of one and an avid swimmer, 46 year old Brenda Lussier started to experience symptoms that sent her to the hospital. She noticed blood in her stool. After testings, she was shocked to learn she had Stage 3 colon cancer and had to undergo surgery right away. Doctors suggested the cancer might have spread to a lymph node. During the surgery, they removed 6.2 inches of her colon along with 26 lymph nodes. They were pathologically tested. They found cancer (1.7 cm) in her colon.

Right now, Brenda has been attending to appointments in Guelph including chemotherapy, which entails an infusion every three weeks for four rounds (IV once every 3 weeks & pills for 14 days then 7 days off before she could begin the next round).

This is her third round. For this, she is unable to work as she’d hoped. She has physical restrictions and needs to rest for the next 3-4 months, attending medical appointments. As you know, gas is not cheap as it used to be and parking costs are high.

Prior to her diagnosis, Brenda was perfectly healthy and had no family history of colon cancer. As many of you know her from “Silent Swim”, swimming across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario years ago and recently, last summer in Lake Simcoe. She was very close to conquer Lake Ontario. She was hoping to swim again this summer but she has to focus on her health. She continues to inspire us all with her dedication and passion, supporting her brother and everyone else diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Here are some video links to see her swim journey:

Brenda’s Silent Swim 2017

Brenda Silent Swim 2015

Brenda has my support and compassion since I have a journey of my own, battling breast cancer and the community came together to fundraise via GoFundMe. The funds helped me tremendously and I am forever grateful. With your support, Brenda will be able to focus on her healing process without financial difficulties too.

Thank you!