Hannah Deley Shines a Light on the Special Challenges Young Cancer Patients Face
Published Tuesday, August 6, 2024
"It's not just to raise money for the Northern Cancer Fund," say's Hannah Deley (pictured with her Mom) "but also to raise awareness about how overlooked – and isolating – cancer in younger people can be."
by Graham Strong
Hannah Deley wants to shine a light on young cancer patients this August. And what better way than with a candle, that eternal symbol of hope in darkness?
Sadly, it's a topic and a struggle she's intimately familiar with. Hannah first experienced pain in her lower right side in January 2023. She didn't think much of it at the time, but the ache got worse and worse, eventually causing radiating lower back pain. Hannah, who is a Lab Tech at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, often draws blood from inpatients for testing. She found that even the simple act of leaning over patients' beds sent shooting pains through her.
"It started like an exercise cramp, but it wouldn't go away," Hannah said. "When the back pains started, I couldn't ignore it anymore."
So, Hannah went to Emerge in March. Because she was young and healthy – just 23 at the time – the source of the pain was a mystery. At first, an ultrasound seemed to suggest that the pain was due to a fibroid in one of her fallopian tubes. But during the operation, the surgeon noticed that Hannah's appendix was abnormal. By October after a biopsy and more tests, they had an answer for her: Stage 4 metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma or cancer of the appendix. It's an extremely rare form of cancer, especially for her age. It had already spread to her lungs and colon.
"Stage 4 cancer is a very scary word," Hannah said. "I started thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die...'"
Hannah started bi-weekly chemotherapy along with immunotherapy on November 8, 2023 and will have her 19th chemo treatment at the beginning of August. Nobody knows yet how many more treatments she'll need. The good news is that her cancer is responding extremely well. In her lungs, for example, she went from having 30 tumours to four – and those are millimetres in size. Once she does finish her chemotherapy, she'll be referred for surgery to remove her appendix and any remaining cancer. Hannah may also have an opportunity to join a cutting-edge clinical trial for her rare form of cancer.
Despite all the good news, Hannah said that she often thinks about the fact that she may not be here in five years. Cancer has had other huge impacts on her life as well. For one, it means that she and her boyfriend of seven years had to put off getting married – and put off having children.
"I'm at the age where everyone I know is getting married, having babies, buying houses," Hannah said. "I've had to put all that stuff off and just think about keeping myself alive. I'm happy for my friends, but it's a little bit sad going to weddings and seeing them become moms – that could have been me."
Hannah has two nephews that she sees often, hanging out when she can and taking them to the park. But she can't wait to have a family of her own. Hannah wanted to freeze some of her eggs, but with the aggressive cancer and now the chemotherapy, she won't be able to do that for up to a year after her last treatment.
"I'm not giving up. I'm working hard to keep my body healthy and my mind positive. I have hope that someday up the road that will be me."
Hannah's Treatment Going Well
Luckily, Hannah's body has tolerated the chemotherapy well. She still works at the Hospital – they've been very flexible she said, so she can take off any time she needs. Working is a much-needed distraction.
"It's good for my mental health," she said.
Battling with poor mental health during cancer is another area that Hannah feels isn't talked about enough. The fear, loneliness, and uncertainty can be overwhelming, triggered by any number of daily events.
"It's the little things that people don't understand," Hannah said. "Like, I've always had long hair. After I lost my hair with the chemo, I didn't recognize myself. I didn't feel like myself."
Today, Hannah wears a wig with long, wavy hair so realistic that you'd never be able to tell. She styles it, colours it, and can even swap it out for a different wig if she's in the mood for something new.
It's her responses to these "little things" that show how remarkable Hannah is as she faces her cancer journey. Yes, there are dark days. For example, Hannah sees terminal patients at work all the time. It's different now – sometimes, she can see herself lying in that bed.
On the other hand, there are light days, too. Hannah said talking to her mother-in-law, who went through a similar experience, helps. Hannah also has the support of her boyfriend, her parents, and her friends including Crystal Sigurdson, who set up a GoFundMe page for her.
Then there are the days when she wants to take what she's learned and do something to help others.
Support Hannah's Fundraiser by Buying a Candle in August
That's when the idea for the candle came to her.
"August is Appendix Cancer Awareness Month," Hannah said. "I thought it was also the perfect time to shine a light on younger cancer patients in my age group."
She wants to use the opportunity to raise funds for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Northern Cancer Fund. She said that selling candles seemed like the perfect symbol.
"I chose a candle because they are small, and you can bring them anywhere. It can be a keepsake or you can light it – candles are very calming."
Hannah said she loves supporting local businesses, so she approached Kate at Waxxed Candle Co. to help. Kate got excited about the project too, and even commissioned a special label design for Hannah's candle. You can buy one of Hannah's candles at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (Main Lobby) or by contacting Hannah at (text) 807-627-8419 or email HannahDeley1956@hotmail.com with the subject: #DELEYSTRONG. A display candle will also be available at Waxxed Candle Co., 16 N. Cumberland (across from the Prince Arthur Hotel). Hannah said that proceeds from every candle sale in August will be donated to the Northern Cancer Fund to support the Cancer Centre.
If you can't buy a candle, Hannah asks that you share any social media posts you see about it in August with the tag #deleystrong. "A Share goes a long way," she said.
It's not just to raise money for the Northern Cancer Fund, but also to raise awareness about how overlooked – and isolating – cancer in younger people can be.
"Just because you're young, don't brush it off," Hannah said. "I brushed it off for too long. If you feel like something's wrong, get it checked out – especially if you have family history of cancer."
People tell her she should be focusing on herself, not on others. But for Hannah, focusing on helping other people in need is another welcomed distraction during her own cancer journey.
"You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."