Paitent Stories

Amy Nichole

Exploring Canada with Sun-Safe Adventures and Strength

Hello, my name is Amy Nichole.

Every year, my husband, our Australian Shepherd, Roxy Emilia, and I embark on a journey across breathtaking landscapes in our Airstream. This year, we spent June through mid-September traveling across Canada, visiting incredible places like Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. Through these adventures, I share my commitment to enjoying the outdoors in a sun-smart way, proving that exploration and self-care can go hand-in-hand.

Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 6 (EDS) has meant facing challenges, including a titanium bar behind my sternum. But at 28, a new fight emerged: I was diagnosed with Stage 1B melanoma on my right upper chest. Cancer brought new layers to my journey, testing my strength and resilience in unexpected ways.

The battle continued with more diagnoses a returning melanoma on my right arm in 2019 and another nearby soon after, followed by a fourth melanoma in 2023 on my upper back. Each diagnosis has demanded a level of courage and determination I hadn’t realized I held, and each scar tells a story of resilience and survival.

As I reflect this December, I am grateful for the strength I’ve discovered, the support of loved ones, and the opportunity to raise awareness for melanoma, EDS, and pectus excavatum (P.E.). Every journey and every scar remind me that life is meant to be explored with purpose, resilience, and respect for our well-being.

“Travel far, live fully, and always protect the skin you’re in. Adventure is best enjoyed when we take care of ourselves along the way.”

Thank you for joining me on this journey,

Amy Nichole

Follow Amy on Instagram @Adventure_Our_Life

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