In a heartbreaking yet inspiring story, Lindsey Van Roon, a 36-year-old single mother of two from Aldergrove, has been diagnosed as the 76th person across the globe to face the rare and aggressive cancer known as cardiac intimal sarcoma. Lindsey received this life-altering diagnosis shortly after Mother's Day, a day she will never forget.

On May 12, Lindsey experienced alarming symptoms, including severe shortness of breath and fainting spells, prompting an urgent visit to Langley Memorial Hospital. Just days later, she underwent open-heart surgery to remove a tumor. The diagnosis was shocking, revealing a cancer type that has a grim survival rate of only three months to one year, according to recent studies from the U.S.

"It's terrifying. Being diagnosed with this cancer feels like the odds of winning the lottery—but I’d much rather have won the lottery," she expressed, emphasizing the scarcity of research available on her condition.

After her surgery, doctors informed Lindsey that if the cancer hadn’t metastasized, she might qualify for a heart transplant. However, her hopes were dashed when follow-up tests revealed that the cancer was spreading rapidly. Now, Lindsey finds herself in the thick of various chemotherapy regimens, each aimed at combating the relentless disease.

Remarkably, her case has attracted considerable attention from the international medical community, which has given her a glimmer of hope. "I welcomed the scrutiny; all eyes on my situation give me hope. We are exploring options beyond what’s known in Canada, which has been overwhelming yet encouraging," she shared.

Despite having to juggle up to ten medical appointments in a single week, Lindsey remains positive, fueled by the unwavering support of friends, family, and even classmates of her daughters. Notably, her daughters' classmates organized a fundraising run for her during the Terry Fox run, showcasing community solidarity.

"It's heartwarming to feel so loved. I don’t know how to express my gratitude to everyone who has reached out. Thank you simply isn’t enough," Lindsey said, reflecting on the outpouring of support surrounding her.

Planning for the future, she selflessly offered her body to the University of British Columbia for research purposes—a powerful act aimed at advancing understanding of cardiac intimal sarcoma. "I want my journey to serve a greater purpose—hopefully helping others suffering from cancer in the future," she declared.

Lindsey relocated to Aldergrove in 2019, seeking solace on her family’s farm after a significant shift in her family dynamics. As a dedicated mom to her two young daughters, now aged five and ten, she balances raising her children with her work in operations maintenance for the Township of Langley.

Life has undeniably slowed down for Lindsey since her diagnosis. "I used to be incredibly active on the farm, always hands-on. It’s disheartening to look back and realize that I had been feeling unwell for some time before my diagnosis," she recounted.

With further surgeries now off the table, Lindsey feels the weight of time bearing down on her. "Every day feels like a race against time—will the chemotherapy work faster than the cancer? It's a daunting reality to face," she remarked, clearly grappling with her situation yet exhibiting an extraordinary sense of strength.

As Lindsey continues her battle with this rare cancer, she remains a beacon of resilience and hope, inspiring those around her to cherish each day and support vital research that may one day lead to breakthroughs in treating this devastating disease.