Debbie Hanlon says there’s no question the staff at the Health Sciences Centre saved her physical life.
But she says the love of family and friends, and the kindness of strangers, is taking care of the mental stuff, countering the negativity from others.
The longtime city councillor and businesswoman was recently diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer that required immediate treatment to keep her alive.
It came on suddenly in mid-February, depleting her energy and causing delirium and double vision.
Doctors have narrowed it down to acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and dealt with fast.
But Hanlon believes the cancer wasn’t the only thing knocking her down.
“In the last year, especially since COVID, social media has been so nasty that my stomach would boil up at the thoughts of seeing a post like that, and I wasn’t used to it,” Hanlon told VOCM News today by phone from her hospital bed.
“I’m not saying that caused my cancer by no means, but I do think that the negativity and the hatred that is out there is hurting a lot of people more than you know.”
Hanlon shown with family members at the Health Sciences Centre. (Submitted photo.)
Hanlon says she’s fortunate to have the antidote to counter that behaviour.
“I can’t get more positive. I open my eyes and my family haven’t left my side, and my children haven’t left my side, my friends have been sending cards and pictures and funny texts and sweet little messages, and I want people to know that’s what’s really getting me through this. These are the things that make a big difference in people’s lives.”
“And the staff here — have saved my life.”
