My name is Lisa Swallow, I'm 39 and I beat cancer twice. I was just 3 years old the first time I had it. It was a Whilm's tumor in my right kidney, so they removed the kidney. It was a long, hard battle but I pulled through. When my parents took me home from the hospital, I was only 17 pounds.

They were told that if I could go 5 years cancer free, that I'd be out of the woods and on my way to a normal life. The Dr's also said that due to extensive radiation, I would never be able to have kids.

As I got older, I stayed very petite and some of my normal growth was disrupted. Through my teens the Dr's suggested hormone therapy but I suffered too many side effects. I'm petite today, 5'6, 125pounds. But, I'm happy.I got married in 1994 and I have a houseful of wonderful pets. 10 years ago, I longed to adopt and be a mom, but, now, I don't mind having pets for kids.

At the age of 28, I was working as a nanny and I cared for 2 adorable babies. I was attending a ladies fitness center, things were good. But, then I noticed I was getting too tired while working out, I had less energy at work and, I just didn't feel well. I went home on a Friday afternoon, and that week-end I was in the hospital being diagnosed with cancer. This time, a tumor in the large intestine. I went through chemotherapy, and 19 rounds of radiation. I had so many memories surface from when I was 3...I didn't realize how much I actually remembered, even though I was only 3 years old. It was emotional for me, especially when I was to take my 1st chemo treament. The nurse brought out the familiar looking needle that goes in the back of your hand, and I started to cry. I couldn't do it, I had to get out of there. I pleaded to be able to wait, just one week, please give me just one week to prepare. They suggested I see the counsellor at the clinic and I got angry. "No, I don't need a shrink", I said..".I just can't do this TODAY!"

Well, the week flew past and I returned to the clinic, chin up and ready for battle. I had lots of support from my family and surgery was next. I pulled through and I had 6 more months of chemo to face. I returned to work in February of 2008. So, I was sick for 9 months. I took a new nanny job caring for 2 sweet little 2 year old twins. I was still on chemotherapy, I had 2 more treatments to go. But, I was feeling better and I wanted to get back to work. Those kids brightened each day and their parents were very understanding.

11 years later, I'm going on 40 and I feel good. I eat well, I work out 3 days a week and enjoy activities like skating and horseback riding. I now work from home. My husband and I have our own little sheet metal business and it's slow, but steady. I have 4 beautiful cats, 3 fuzzy little guinea pigs and a hilarious basset hound.

I take part in the Relay for Life fundraisers and last year I went in my 1st Terry Fox run. Terry will always be my hero and I truly believe that I beat cancer because of the money he raised for research. Thank you God and thank you, Terry Fox. To anyone anywhere donating to this cause, you're amazing, it's because of people like you that people survive. To anyone out there battling cancer, stay strong and fight. Try to smile a little every day no matter how bad you're feeling. Keep your day as normal as possible.....try to get out and enjoy a nice sunny day, even if you only get as far as your backyard. I wish all the best to patients everywhere. I wish comfort to the families who have lost loved ones.

The Typically Canadian Group is riding with Lisa Swallow...

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