A year to the date, I walk out of hospital cancer-free and completely humbled by one of the most enduring years of my life.
At the beginning of February 2023, the day I signed my West End debut contract to perform in We Will Rock You, I was diagnosed with a tumour in my left lung. The term reality “slaps you in the face” couldn’t have been clearer. So, the journey began.
To say nothing ever prepares you for these calls is the truth. I absolutely did feel like I was in a movie. Like a slow motion of my life was panning out before my very eyes. Why was I the main character? Is this specialist actually telling me this right now? It was surreal.
All I can say is thank God for my community, my family, the best friends in the world, and the ACTORS’ TRUST, who had my back immediately. A collective group of ANGELS who guided me to a place where I could choose to live and have peace of mind.
Unfortunately, my second surgery was more complicated. Lower lobectomy (removal of half my lung). Yikes! What transpired after that was about 4 weeks of complications trying to heal with infections beginning. Unfortunately, this infection persisted to the point that on the 27th of December, I had another surgery to wash out the lung, clear the infection and close an air leak that wouldn’t heal. However, the best news was that I was officially CANCER FREE! The relief was worth it all. The mental game has definitely been the toughest part of this entire experience.
A couple weeks later, I’m feeling the strongest I have felt. It’s my first week out of hospital, and the normalcy of life is so comforting. I still have a chest drain and an air leak I’m nursing, but my body is working hard to heal.
One day at a time! I miss performing so much. I miss everything I was physically able to do. Our health is everything, absolutely everything.
What I vividly remember from the Actors’ Trust is the feeling of being VALUED, truly HELD, SEEN, and absolutely CARED FOR! From kindly and empathetically written emails to special cards, hampers and Christmas presents for under my tree. At a time when I was feeling my worst, Actors’ Trust gave me some magic and helped me to keep pushing through.
To anyone in our industry who is going through a trauma or requires financial aid or some sort of help, I encourage you to reach out. I was nervous to do so in the beginning. I felt like I should just get on with it, that there are people worse off than me and that maybe I don’t deserve it. Well, I’m glad a friend forced me to reach out because I did need the help, a lot of help, and I still do. I’m eternally grateful for the kindness and generosity of the Actors’ Trust and everyone who supports them! My deepest gratitude. THANK YOU!
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