Kerry Carlyle

Like many of you, my cancer journey began long before my own diagnosis. It began with my Grandma who passed away from pancreatic cancer when I was a child. Then in 1998, our family was devastated again to learn my mum had been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia. After a failed autologous bone marrow transplant, she passed away 14 months after her diagnosis.

Exactly five years after my mum’s passing, I too entered London Health Sciences Centre where my personal journey with blood cancer began. I was diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm, ET. I made too many platelets. After a few near death experiences related to my disease, it progressed to PV where I now made too many red blood cells along with scarring in my marrow. The symptoms could no longer be excused or ignored.

In 2019, as a once very active and busy person, the primary caregiver of my children and as a teaching Vice Principal, I was no longer able to perform my duties and responsibilities with the integrity deserved. I left my position and struggled to find my purpose beyond parenting. I had been in education my entire life. I spiralled into depression. I felt I was letting my children down too.

One of the biggest turning points in my health journey was connecting with the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada during those dark uncertain days of Covid. Leslie Ann Guiney helped me understand that there were resources available—not just for my disease, but for my needs. Mental heath supports are so critical when managing cancer. I participated in Art therapy, Nutrition, Peer support with mentoring. It was as though I was given a gift.

Then the biggest gift happened- next-generation sequencing or NGS. I was able to learn whether my disease was inherited or acquired. I was terrified it would be inherited. Since the birth of my first born, I was so scared that my children would end up like me, just as I ended up like my mum. The anxiety waiting for results was excruciating, the call came and I started sobbing. My blood cancer was acquired. The weight and fear I had been carrying for all those years for my children, suddenly lifted.

And suddenly, I was lighter. Happier. More motivated. Less afraid. My mental health improved and I was so much more hopeful. Carrying twenty plus years of fear can take a toll in so many ways.

Only last year, I stood here holding my white lantern, tears streaming down my face. Seeing my sons with their partners holding their gold and red lanterns across from me, I was feeling such gratitude that we were all still here together. It was indescribable. That was my first Light the Night. We had met so many wonderful people and enjoyed volunteering alongside everyone. It was one of the most powerful, unifying experiences I have ever had. To be surrounded by people who all have one thing in common- hope.

Nobody knows how much time they have. I know this sounds cliche but with knowledge, support and love, we can choose how we use the time we’re given.

I think that’s where I want to leave you tonight. We all have different journeys and experiences. Many of us have lost those we love to cancer and I know none of our journeys have been smooth. But throughout it all, we can still have hope.

So as we walk around Victoria Park, reflecting on our own journeys as those with cancer and those who care for us, and for those we miss, I ask you to keep hope in your heart. Lastly, if you ever meet someone who needs support, please let them know that there are so many resources and caring people who can help.

I am so honoured to be the 2026 Honoured Hero and so very grateful.

I am thankful for my family and friends, but most of all, I am so grateful for my sons who grew up with something no child should ever have to. They have been through so much but I am still here and that is all I ever wanted. I am so fortunate to be able to see my children grow into such incredible young men. Atty and Beckett, you’ve been by my side every step of the way and shown such courage and empathy. Although my Mum never got to meet you, I know she would be so proud of you, so proud of us.

You are my reason. You are my why.