For many, their 30s is a decade filled with career milestones, starting or raising a family, pursuit of passion projects, and so much more.
Natasha Luckhardt eagerly embraced this new chapter of life, but soon, an unforeseen circumstance was about to change everything.
At 32, Natasha was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer, or more specifically endometrial cancer. Today, she is cancer-free thanks to research and care at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Natasha spoke on Dec. 11 at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's annual Doves of Hope ceremony, sharing her journey with cancer while navigating fertility. Her story is a message of hope, and describes the powerful impact the Doves of Hope program makes in changing the future of cancer care.
The program raises funds to fuel research that evolves the understanding of many forms of cancer, expands and improves treatment options to benefit patients today and future generations, and ensures patients continue to receive exceptional care.
"Ten years ago, managing both endometrial cancer and fertility would not have been possible," Natasha says. "Learning that I was pregnant felt like pure joy and speaks to the testament of advancements in health care."
Doves of Hope encourages donors to return paper doves — a symbol of hope — with messages of encouragement written in honour of friends or family members touched by cancer, or to health care providers. The idea is to let hope fly, with the display of doves strung across the Princess Margaret illustrating a network of love and support that stretches far beyond its walls.
"I love the symbolic representation," Natasha says of the first time she saw thousands of paper doves strung throughout the cancer centre. "It's comforting to read the messages of love and encouragement, which provide solace to patients and their loved ones.
"Seeing the doves led me to believe everything was going to be okay."
'My mind was reeling'
Naturally drawn to journalism, Natasha put her passion for storytelling to use. Prior to her diagnosis, she created a documentary highlighting the stories of workers impacted by cancer after exposure to toxic chemicals.
While Natasha was moved by every person's story, one sentiment lingered in her mind: "When you have cancer, you never really feel like you're free." At the time, she had no idea how profoundly relevant those words would be to her own life.
After completing the documentary, she had a routine endometriosis removal surgery. The doctor called a month later, insisting Natasha come to her office immediately; the level of urgency raised a red flag for Natasha and her partner, Simon.
"I would know if I had cancer, right?" Natasha said to Simon.
Her doctor broke the difficult and unexpected news – despite not having any risk factors, Natasha had endometrial cancer.
"My mind was reeling as she laid out options regarding my fertility, from a hysterectomy to the possibilities of IVF or surrogacy," Natasha says.
Natasha and Simon felt a whirlwind of uncertainty and fear around the news and its potential to put their dream of parenthood in jeopardy.
"Being diagnosed with cancer changed everything," Natasha says. "One day we were talking about how many children we wanted to have, and the next, looking into the possibility of sacrificing, or preserving, my fertility."
'Exceptional medical care and compassion'
The team at the Princess Margaret created a meticulous treatment plan focused on targeting the cancer from within. They proposed inserting an IUD with high levels of progesterone, followed by biopsies and MRIs every three months to monitor progress.
"I can't speak highly enough of the exceptional medical care and compassion that I received from Dr. Deljoomanesh and Dr. Ferguson as well as their dedicated team," Natasha says.
Natasha and Simon were told the treatment was working. Once Natasha's cancer had cleared, she began IVF treatment; the couple was one step closer to fulfilling their dream of becoming parents.
Amidst uncertainty about the future of parenthood, they received heartwarming news that stirred an overwhelming sense of happiness — Natasha was pregnant.
Nine months later, Natasha and Simon welcomed their healthy son. Because of the story behind his arrival into the world, they named him Tadhg, which means "storyteller" in Gaelic.
"As I look into the eyes of my beautiful son, I am reminded that no matter what the future holds, we will always face it with courage and determination," says Natasha, who dedicated two Doves, including one in honour of Tadhg.
The Princess Margaret is grateful for the Doves of Hope community as their support makes stories such as Natasha's possible. Dedicate a Dove today and together, we can let hope fly.
