Erika Jansen

On January 10, 2025, I underwent double jaw surgery, a very invasive procedure. In the days following surgery, I began experiencing weakness and fatigue, which I attributed to my recent surgery. One week later, I developed blurry vision and was referred to an ophthalmologist, who discovered bleeding behind my eyes. That appointment led to urgent bloodwork, and within hours, I was in the ER, unaware that I was about to receive a life-changing diagnosis. On January 20, 2025, just ten days after my jaw surgery, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with AML and began intensive chemotherapy shortly afterward.

At the time, I had just passed my nursing board exam less than two months earlier and was only three months into my first nursing job after graduation. Instead of beginning my nursing career, I spent the next several months in and out of the hospital undergoing treatment. I achieved deep molecular remission in June 2025; however, I recently learned that my journey will continue with an allogeneic stem cell transplant – a reminder that healing isn’t always a straight path, but one I continue to face with hope and faith.

This experience changed everything. It deepened my faith in God, clarified my priorities, and gave me a new perspective on life. It made me realize how much I had taken for granted, including my health, my independence, and the ability to make plans for the future without hesitation. At the same time, it took away my fear of chasing my dreams. Rather than waiting for the “right time,” I decided to pursue them wholeheartedly. I studied for and wrote the MCAT and am now in the process of applying to medical school. One day, I hope to become a hematologist myself.

Despite the uncertainty of my diagnosis and treatment, life continued to hold moments of incredible joy. This past June, I married my high school sweetheart, Daniel, and celebrated with a honeymoon in Japan!

My leukemia journey has not defined me; instead, it has refined me as a person and strengthened my determination to live with purpose and make a difference in the lives of others. As a nurse, I carry my experience as a patient with me. I understand the uncertainty and vulnerability that can come with navigating the healthcare system, and I hope to use that perspective to provide the kind of compassionate care that made such a difference to me throughout my own journey.

Thanks to decades of leukemia research, my treatment included a targeted therapy that increased the success rate from approximately 60% to 80%. I am deeply grateful to the researchers, healthcare professionals, donors, and organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada whose work continues to make treatments like mine possible. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can encourage others facing blood cancer to keep believing in hope, healing, and the future.