Laura Hemsworth has been cancer-free for five years, and next month she’s jumping out of a plane to celebrate.
Hemsworth, five-time CIBC Run for the Cure participant and last year’s Survivor Champion, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. To mark the five-year anniversary of being in remission, Hemsworth is asking people to sponsor her to jump out of a plane on July 12, with money raised going to support the Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka.
“From the time I was first diagnosed until today, it feels like a lifetime ago, but it seems like yesterday,” said Hemsworth.
“It feels good to know that I kicked its butt,” she said with a laugh. “I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones who was able to get through it.”
In early 2015, Hemsworth recalls missing her regularly scheduled mammogram appointment.
“You know, kids in school, we had a lot going on,” she said. “My dad was sick and I was taking care of him. I didn’t even think there would be any kind of unusual outcome. I was only 50 years old.”
A couple of weeks later, the doctor called and asked her to come back for a second look.
After a second mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy, Hemsworth was told she had Stage 1a breast cancer.
Within a matter of weeks, Hemsworth had a lumpectomy, some lymph nodes removed and radiation treatment.
She considers herself lucky to not have required chemotherapy.
Hemsworth has been volunteering at Gilda’s Club for about 10 years, which is why she chose them as the recipient for her fundraiser.
“Your first impression is, it’s going to be a sad place because it’s about cancer. But when you walk through those doors and you hear singing, people laughing, or you smell cookies baking, it gives people dealing with cancer a place to go to feel safe,” she said. “I know. It helps.”
Hemsworth is collecting pledges of any amount, however any donation of more than $20 comes with a chance to win a 50-inch television or a gift basket. She’s also open to the idea of small businesses donating items for the gift baskets, to bring in more interest.
Overall, she looks back on her cancer journey, grateful of the outcome.
“It helps you to appreciate what you have in your life,” she said.
Hemsworth’s jump will be taking place at Skydive Toronto in Innisfil on July 12.
For more information, follow Hemsworth’s journey on Facebook here.