Within the face of adversity, there are people who rise above their circumstances and encourage others with their energy and willpower. One such particular person is Sindy Hooper of Ottawa–a runner, Boston finisher and triathlete whose unimaginable journey exemplifies the facility of creating each second depend. By way of her ardour for operating, fundraising efforts and her unwavering spirit, Hooper and her group haven’t solely raised consciousness but in addition instilled hope for others coping with pancreatic most cancers, defying the percentages alongside the best way.
Hooper’s battle with most cancers has been a marathon in itself. In January 2013, she acquired the devastating prognosis and instantly underwent Whipple surgical procedure, adopted by chemotherapy. Given the statistics on the time, with a five-year survival price of solely 10 per cent and plenty of succumbing to the illness inside six months, Hooper’s willpower was extraordinary. Recognized in January, she accomplished an Ironman race in August that very same 12 months.
“I might go for CT scans each six months,” recollects Hooper. “Once I reached the five-year mark, I couldn’t imagine I used to be nonetheless right here.” Impressed by her personal journey, Hooper began the Make Each Second Depend group eight years in the past, difficult her household and pals to hitch her in operating the 2015 Ottawa Marathon to lift consciousness for pancreatic most cancers. Remarkably, 132 people signed as much as run alongside her, elevating a powerful $110,000 for the Ottawa Hospital Basis. Since then, the Make Each Second Depend crew has returned to Ottawa Race Weekend yearly, accumulating a complete of almost $450,000 raised for the trigger.
Ten years after her prognosis, Hooper continues her battle with most cancers. In 2021, docs found one metastasis in her left lung, prompting three rounds of chemotherapy. Nevertheless, essentially the most devastating information got here a 12 months later, when three extra metastases had been discovered, resulting in a terminal prognosis. “Docs instructed me I had one 12 months to stay,” shares Hooper. “They knowledgeable me that there’s extra they can not see.”
Regardless of the terminal prognosis, Hooper stays resolute in her struggle, discovering hope within the optimistic response to chemotherapy and a agency willpower to take part within the Ottawa 5K along with her Make Each Second Depend Crew. With 30 people operating and strolling alongside her, Hooper accomplished the 5K in 37 minutes, whereas elevating an astonishing $150,000 for most cancers analysis and the Ottawa Hospital Basis.
Reflecting on the expertise, Hooper expresses gratitude for the unimaginable assist she acquired. “The race and the assist had been unbelievable,” she says. “I used to be thrilled to be part of Ottawa Race Weekend and make it down right here.”
Hooper’s story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for all. She stays motivated to problem the statistics and defy expectations, embodying the spirit of willpower and the idea that each second is value combating for.
“When confronted with a prognosis like this, I aspire to be the one one that defies the statistics,” Hooper affirms.
To be taught extra about Hooper’s fundraising efforts or make a donation, please go to the Make Each Second Depend web page.
