Yaslyma was diagnosed with stage IV neuroendocrine cancer in her pancreas, colon and liver. Her prognosis came after four years of tests and experiencing symptoms that doctors were sure were caused by other health conditions.
Immediately after she received her diagnosis, Yaslyma was scheduled for surgery and warned that her chances of survival were very slim. Thankfully, Yaslyma survived and was able to take part in a clinical trial that gave her some positive results, but ultimately landed her in the hospital in life-threatening condition.
Now, Yaslyma is back at home in Mississauga, ON and is receiving ongoing maintenance therapy to help control some of her symptoms. She is grateful to CCS because she relied on CCS’s volunteer driver transportation service that took her to and from the chemotherapy and experimental treatments that helped save her life.
“If it wasn’t for CCS’s transportation service, I wouldn’t have been able to get to treatment. My life depended on it and I’m living proof that it’s a life-saving service.”
Today, Yaslyma enjoys spending time with her family, including two grandchildren, and she also takes time to give back to CCS by volunteering. For the last 11 years, Yaslyma has been heavily involved with CCS’s Peer Support service, supporting people who have been diagnosed with advanced cancer, as well as pancreatic, colon and liver cancer.
“Helping others gives me purpose,” says Yaslyma. “As a Peer Support volunteer, I can give people hope and the tools they need to live their best life.”
Yaslyma is living proof that life is bigger than cancer. She remains on maintenance therapy but finds joy in her life every day. “The cancer is still there, but you are still alive and should live your life to the fullest.”