On August 30th, 2023 - my life changed forever. I will always remember this day because it was the day I was diagnosed with Leukemia; Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia to be exact - an aggressive form of blood cancer. Over the next year I would undergo intense treatment at the University of Alberta hospital; a treatment designed specifically to help treat and cure APL. Luckily for me, the prognosis was great with a 90% remission rate for this type of Leukemia. Today, I am happy to say that the chemotherapy treatment was effective and that I am in REMISSION!!

Leading up to the diagnosis, I lived a very busy life. In my mind, it was a full life; I had a husband, two kids, my own design studio (with employees), I stayed active and took care of my health. I focused my energy on my work and providing for my family. My younger self had always loved adventure, travel and trying new things but as life got busier and more hectic, I found myself putting those experiences aside.

Through my cancer journey, I’ve come to understand that perhaps the diagnosis was a way of forcing me to appreciate life, the family and friends I have, and to really live my life intentionally. I have been given a second chance and I intend to use it to live life to the fullest, without excuses and without apology.

To make myself accountable, I started Living40. This time not only marked a shift in my life, but also the year I turned 40. I started writing a list of experiences and bucket list items I wanted to complete in my 40th year. I also added a few extra items I had been putting off, just to make sure I’d actually get them done. And with that, Living40 was born.

Thank you for joining my journey in living 40! I hope this inspires you in living the life you’ve always wanted.

— Lianne C.