Friday, March 29, 2024

Vancouver Island woman inspires others after life-changing surgery

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A young Vancouver Island woman’s battle with bone cancer is inspiring millions around the world.

Victoria resident, Emily Cox, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2019 after a pain in her knee amplified after a hike in Whistler.

From then, her life was full of appointments and treatments including ten rounds of chemotherapy and an operation in which she had the bottom half of her femur and knee joint replaced.

The treatments were a success and for two years Emily lived cancer free.

Unfortunately, at 24-years-old, Emily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma for the second time. This time, amputation of her left leg was the best course of action for her survival.

In a now viral TikTok video which has amassed 41.1 million views, Emily counts down the days until her surgery.

The video appears to have inspired millions and opened up the conversation around young amputees and osteosarcoma— a cancer with no root cause that typically affects children, teens, and young adults.

“Sharing my story helps others; connecting with people who have gone through similar experiences is so nice because it can be really difficult to relate to others, but when you find someone that you can genuinely relate to, it’s extremely rewarding,” Emily told Buzzfeed.

“By sharing my story and showing people my story, it has really inspired others.”

Now, a GoFundMe has been set up to assist Emily’s recovery.

The fundraiser is to help raise funds for a prosthetic leg—which costs upwards to $75,000—and the types of therapy, equipment and medications necessary for Emily’s recovery.

“We are creating this fundraiser with a goal to help significantly reduce the financial burden this surgery is having on Emily and her family,” said the GoFundMe.

“Emily is a positive, hilarious, kind, and beautiful girl who deserves to be so much more than her cancer diagnosis and surgeries.”

As of this publication, the GoFundMe has raised over $32,000 with a goal of $75,000.

Additionally, a virtual yoga class will take place on Sunday, October 24th, with all proceeds going to assist Emily’s recovery.

If you want to follow Emily’s incredible journey you can also follow her on Instagram

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