Ashley Westenberg no longer has cancer, but it left a permanent mark on her life.

Prior to becoming ill Ashley had a very active life, she enjoyed playing softball, was in the 4H club in Richmond B.C., and dreamed of becoming an olympic swimmer. Now at 22 years old, Ashley fought cancer most of her adolescent and teenage years.
 
She was first diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in her right leg at age 10. Despite chemotherapy and a major surgery, the cancer returned in her left knee at age 12, then in her lungs at age 15. The return of the cancer meant repeated rounds of chemotherapy and operations to remove the tumours.  Ashley underwent her treatment at B.C. Children’s Hospital, where her Aunt Desiree, Uncle Tom, and her family were constantly by her bedside.

Camp Goodtimes, a camp for kids with cancer or survivors, was a positive influence on Ashley throughout this time. Run by the Canadian Cancer Society in Maple Ridge, B.C., the camp provides the opportunity for “kids to be kids” despite the limitations imposed by their illnesses. The camp provides all of the normal camp activities—swimming in the lake, arts and crafts, and sports. Ashley calls the camp a “very special place” and has volunteered there since age 17. She has developed lasting friendships at the camp.

In talking to Ashley years after her illness, it is clear that cancer has left a lasting impact.

“It was very hard losing my hair and I still feel the effect of the chemotherapy on my energy levels.  However, I never thought once that I was going to die. Kids tend to be more optimistic and can adapt to situations like that,” Ashley says.

Now, like any 22-year old, Ashley is figuring out what she wants to do with her life. She thinks a lot about cancer prevention.

“Cancer is a disease that leaves no one untouched. Finding a cure and preventing cancer means taking a wider view of things. It is worth thinking about how you live your life—how you eat, vote, exercise and so many other things. There is still so much we don’t know.”