
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.
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Access to a list of rapid access clinics, mole mapping clinics and other skin cancer specialists across Canada. Additional resources from the Canadian Dermatology Association are provided.
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