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Paitent Stories

Laurie White

Turning Adversity Into Advocacy

I am a retired RCMP officer who was shot on duty in 1998 in a high-profile incident. That life-changing event resulted in my right leg being amputated below the knee. After ten months of intense rehabilitation, I made an unprecedented return to active policing—a journey that became a cornerstone of my story of resilience.

Since then, I’ve built a career as a keynote speaker, sharing insights about overcoming adversity, mental health, and living with a disability. My story resonates with audiences across the country, as I emphasize perseverance and hope. In 2020, I retired from the RCMP and published my memoir, 10-33: An Officer Down Steps Back Up, which chronicles my personal and professional journey.

A Shocking Diagnosis. In 2023, I visited Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile when it stopped in Brockville, Ontario. I had a spot check performed, which, luckily, did not indicate anything cancerous. That experience stayed with me, reminding me of the importance of staying proactive about my health.

Fast forward to May 2024, when I noticed a mole on my back that had begun randomly bleeding. A specialist removed it and, while it wasn’t concerning, he identified two other suspicious spots on my left forearm and inner left calf. These spots hadn’t been on my radar, and all three looked quite different from each other. Learning that one was invasive melanoma came as a complete shock. I required surgery, and while the margins came back clear, the diagnosis profoundly shifted my perspective.

The timing of that surgery meant resigning from my security liaison contract with the Canadian Paralympic Team for the Paris 2024 Games—a disappointing loss, but a necessary step for my health. I’m grateful that I sought medical attention for what seemed like a minor concern because it led to the early detection and treatment of melanoma.

Advocating for Prevention. As a 55-year-old redhead with blue eyes and fair skin, I’ve always been prone to sunburns. Growing up, sunscreen wasn’t a staple, and my freckled skin bore the brunt of childhood summers. As an adult, I’ve been diligent about sun protection, which made my melanoma diagnosis unexpected. It’s a stark reminder of how crucial vigilance and regular skin checks are, even for those who consider themselves careful.

I’ve been searching for a way to help raise awareness about melanoma, and I believe my experiences can inspire others to take their physical and mental health seriously. As a mother, my melanoma diagnosis has strengthened my commitment to protecting my children from the dangers of skin cancer. I want them—and all children—to grow up with the knowledge and resources to stay sun-safe.

That’s why I am proud to serve as a Sun Guardian with Melanoma Canada. The Sun Guardians Grant Program provides essential sun safety tools and education to help reduce the risk of skin cancer for children and youth in camps, daycares, community centers, and recreational facilities. From sunscreen and UPF clothing to shade structures, UV color-changing bracelets, and sun safety training for staff, this program equips communities to protect the next generation.

A Message of Hope I’m honoured to lend my voice to Melanoma Canada and use my platform to educate and empower others to prioritize their health. I hope my story can serve as a call to action, encouraging others to protect their skin, know the signs of melanoma, and never hesitate to seek medical advice.

    

Other Patient Stories

Maureen Meehan
In early August of 2017 while attending a routine visit with my doctor, a General Practitioner (GP), I mentioned that the mole I’d had my right forearm for years was concerning me as it had changed.
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Brandon Smith
No words could be more true! Cancer has been my invisible enemy for 11 years. My name is Brandon Smith and I have Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
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Ian Campbell
My name is Ian Campbell. I am 60 years young and have a beautiful wife, and two wonderful adult children. My cancer journey started when I moved to Alberta from Ontario. 
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Cindy Nightingale
Finally, it was May 18, 2004, the day of my ophthalmologist appointment. I was relieved someone with authority would be looking at my eye. I did a little research and it seemed like I might have cataracts, glaucoma, or an infection.
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Vanessa Delle Monache
My name is Vanessa Delle Monache and I am a two-time cancer survivor. At the young age of 15, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I received chemotherapy as well as radiation.
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Akeema Smith
My melanoma story begins when I was born with a congenital Nevus birthmark covering most of my left breast. Growing up I never thought much about it other than my appointments with plastic surgeons and dermatologists every 3 months.
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Emma Newman
My name is Emma Newman and I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when I was 23 years old. In June 2018, I graduated from Western University with a degree in Health Sciences and Psychology. During my time at Western I was very involved in extracurricular activities.
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Bev Barbour
The Coronavirus brought many changes to our world; for me it has led me to The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) and for that, I am very grateful.
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Heather Derbecker
In September 2011, I was 36 years old and 32 weeks pregnant with baby number three when I was diagnosed with melanoma. There is never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but facing my own mortality and getting ready to welcome a new life brought my world crashing down.
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Ken Graham
COVID-19 … as if cancer patients don’t have enough to stress about.   I am not sure if immunotherapy treatments put melanoma patients more at risk for COVID-19, but it worries me. 
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Two women showing their backs looking for skin issues.