Melissa G.

  • Grand expedition
  • I speak english
  • 40 years old
  • Group: 14 to 18 years old
  • When I took part in the expedition, I was: in remission
  • Springwater, Ontario

Expeditions

Diagnosis

My diagnosis was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Why did you choose to take part in an expedition with the foundation?

I chose to participate because it really felt like a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to be able to travel to the North Pole. For me it was the travel opportunity, however it ended up being SO MUCH more then that. It ended up being such a healing opportunity, and closure to a difficult “cancer” chapter in my life. I met people who inspired me and continue to inspire me to this day. The friendships that were made were so wonderful.

What were you fears or doubts before you jumped into the adventure?

I was very nervous to participate and make the decision to go. I was nervous I would be going all by myself with a bunch of strangers! But one thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat and everyone was meeting each other for the first time so it’s a shared nervousness. I also was a bit hesitant because it was during summer vacation, (and I LOVE the warm weather) and I was trading that to go to the NORTH POLE! But it was so worth it and I am so glad that I didn’t let that stop me!