By
TRACEY TONG
She
competes in triathlon, runs, hikes, kayaks, cycles, curls and has even been
swimming with stingrays. Jan VandenTillaart is a bundle of energy and a picture
of health.
Imagine
her shock when, in January 2012, the 53-year-old was diagnosed with endometrial
cancer.
“It
was so frustrating to have done everything right over the years and still end
up with cancer. At every single appointment I went to, they said, “other than the
cancer, you are very, very healthy.’ It ended up helping me, because they said
they could give me all the chemo and radiation I could handle.”
Following
a hysterectomy, VandenTillaart underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and
twenty-five radiation treatments at The Ottawa Hospital, during which she continued
to embrace life, whether it was fulfilling a lifelong dream to go jet-skiing
with her son, or planning a trip to Las
Vegas
Now
cancer-free, VandenTillaart credits “a positive attitude and setting goals” for
her speedy recovery.
Coincidentally,
VandenTillaart found her latest goal at The Ottawa Hospital, the same place
she’d received her cancer treatment. On September 7, VandenTillaart will Ride
the Rideau in support of cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital. The Ottawa-to-Merrickville
VandenTillaart
has already exceeded her goal of raising $1,500 for cancer research by knitting scarves and bags in exchange for donations to her fundraising. “It’s a great
cause,” said VandenTillaart. “I want to raise money for research that will help
others.”
Ironically,
the general accountant said cancer has made her a better person.
“I have learned to slow down and take in the beautiful
things around me in the world that I used to ignore because I was too busy,”
she said. “Hopefully I can spread this positive energy to others so that they
too can begin to enjoy life like I have.”
Box
The fourth edition of Ride the Rideau will be held on
Saturday, September 7
To register to ride, sign up to volunteer or to sponsor a
rider, visit www.ridetherideau.ca
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