Christine Nykipilo

Every day in Alberta, 63 people hear the words, “you have cancer.”

I’m taking part in the Skyline Rush Challenge to help ensure Albertans facing cancer—and their families—have access to the support they need.

Wellspring Alberta is a registered charity offering free programs that ease pain, fatigue, and distress; build strength and resilience; and provide connection, financial guidance, and workplace support. With over 70 evidence-informed programs, Wellspring helps improve the quality of life for those living with cancer.

10 years ago, I faced a challenge that changed my life forever.  

I had not been feeling well and had been going to my doctor every week saying that something is just not right. My colleagues were noticing that I was losing weight and having troubles with keeping my balance. I was so tired and was having a constant burning sensation in the middle of my chest. The lymph glands behind my left ear were very tender too. I kept having blood tests every week until my doctor sent me to a hematologist at the Cross and even he had said that there was nothing that he could see in all of my tests. 

On Friday November 11, 2015 after my kids and my girlfriend (Kris) had dinner, I went upstairs to my bedroom and while walking into my room, I started to black out and tried reaching for my bed but I fell back into my dresser and the tv knocked over on top of me. My kids and Kris came rushing to see what happened.  Kris said there was 1 of 2 places that she was going to take me, Fort Sask hospital or the UofA hospital. I chose UofA. I spent from November 2015 to July of 2017 in the hospital for which, after consultation with the Mayo Clinic, I completed 4 months of chemo and during that time my physical and mental health deteriorated to the point that I was 88lbs and wasn’t having a lot of hope of surviving. My family was told that it wasn’t looking good for me but because of my specialists and the love and faith from my family and friends, I was able to leave the hospital to be nursed for by my parents. My mom was very diligent in waking me up every morning to feed me eggs and toast. I have never liked eggs but I listened (begrudgingly) to her and within 2 months, I was starting to walk with a walker and began gaining weight. I still have a lot of health issues and receive mental health support from Wellspring and that is why I feel strongly about fundraising for this amazing place.