In a heart-wrenching story of resilience and hope, Lindsey Van Roon, a single mother of two from Aldergrove, has become the 76th known person worldwide to be diagnosed with cardiac intimal sarcoma, an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of cancer. The diagnosis came just days after Mother's Day, turning her life upside down.

Following a terrifying episode of shortness of breath and fainting spells, Lindsey rushed to the Langley Memorial Hospital's emergency room on May 12. Unfortunately, just five days after that harrowing visit, surgeons performed open heart surgery to remove a tumor that was wreaking havoc in her body.

"This is terrifying," Lindsey expressed. "The odds of being diagnosed with this cancer are about the same as winning the lottery—and trust me, I would much prefer a jackpot!" The prognosis for this rare condition, as reported in a U.S. case study, reveals a mean survival rate of just three months to one year, making her journey even more daunting.

After her surgery, doctors initially told Lindsey that she could qualify for a heart transplant, provided the cancer didn't spread. However, more tests revealed a grim reality: the cancer was progressing rapidly. This revelation led to a rigorous treatment plan involving various chemotherapy regimens aimed at exterminating the cancer cells infiltrating her body.

Interestingly, Lindsey's case has caught the attention of the global medical community, creating a ripple of interest and consultation from experts. "I've welcomed everyone to scrutinize my case as much as possible. We're even discussing treatment options that aren't available here in Canada," she shared. Although juggling up to ten medical appointments each week can be overwhelming, she finds strength and solace in the outpouring of support from medical professionals and her community.

"I'm thankful every day. The doctors consistently present alternative options," she said, her voice a mix of determination and vulnerability.

Lindsey has received tremendous support from her daughters' schoolmates and the larger community, including fundraising runs in her honor and heartfelt messages of encouragement. "I've felt so much love. So many have stepped up to support me, and I just can't express how grateful I am," she noted.

In a testament to her selflessness, Lindsey has pledged her body to the University of British Columbia for research purposes focused on advancing the understanding of cardiac intimal sarcoma. "I'm doing this in hopes of helping others in the future," she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of research in the fight against cancer.

Since moving to Aldergrove in 2019 to care for her family on their farm, Lindsey's life has shifted dramatically. Once an active and hands-on mother, she now navigates a slower pace dictated by her health challenges. “Even before my diagnosis, I was more fatigued than I realized,” she reflected.

With limited options for further surgical intervention due to time constraints, Lindsey continues her battle against this aggressive disease, racing against the clock to find a management strategy that can outpace the advancing cancer. "It's a terrifying reality, and I wish things were different," she concluded.

Her story not only sheds light on the struggles faced by those with rare cancers but also highlights the incredible strength of human spirit and community support in the face of life's unimaginable challenges.