By Norkael (Kael) Limdy, BKin

Cancer changed the course of my life not only as a patient, but now as someone supporting people going through their own cancer journey. I was still in school at Ontario Tech University, studying kinesiology, when I was diagnosed with a rare spinal sarcoma cancer. One moment, I was learning about how the human body functions. And the next moment, I was facing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and multiple spinal reconstruction surgeries. Everything I thought I knew about health, strength, and recovery suddenly became no longer textbook but, deeply personal.

The treatment journey was long and intense. I spent months going through chemotherapy and radiation, followed by years of rehabilitation as I adapted to life after surgery. I had to relearn how to walk, move, how to manage pain, and how to live in a body that felt very different from the one I was familiar with.

Looking back, I realize I was experiencing cancer-related fatigue, but at the time, I did not have a name for it. I only knew that even basic tasks felt exhausting. Exercise, school, and especially my social life all took a toll. For years, I felt as if I was isolated, not just physically but emotionally too. I was afraid of regression, unsure of how to rebuild and make new relationships, and often felt ashamed of how much my body had changed. It was like life had moved on without me while I was standing (mostly sitting) still.

However, when I found Cancer Fatigue Services (CFS), it truly changed everything.

The CFS team, welcomed me with open arms and built a personalized care plan that helped me regain strength, reduce pain, and slowly return to the things I love doing. Exercise programs were designed to target my core and back muscles, improve my posture, and support my daily movement with precision and care. But it was not just about physical function. It was also about the joy, independence, and feeling like myself again that stood out differently compared to treatments I have received in the past.

As my body got stronger, so did my confidence. This summer, for the first time in years, I felt like I could really live again. I have met new people, travelled, tried new things, and reconnected with the world around me. Not as someone who had cancer, but as someone who is moving forward with my purpose. In fact, this September, I am happy to share I will be running a 10K at the Toronto Zoo. It is more than just a race. For me, it is a celebration of how far I have come both physically and emotionally.

What makes it even more meaningful to me, is that I now work as part of the Cancer Fatigue Services team. Supporting people who have walked a similar path that I have been on, has been incredibly fulfilling. I have had the privilege of assisting with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing’s, helping patients with their exercise care plans, and contributing to the patient outreach and advocacy efforts. The involvement has allowed me to support people living with cancer-related fatigue in practical and effective ways. Being able to support people on their journey and see their quality of life improve first-hand has been incredibly rewarding. It is clear to me now that fatigue does not have to define the experience, and with the right care, we can regain energy, confidence, and hope for the future.

My lived experience allows me to care with empathy and understanding. I know how difficult it is to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, fear and unsure about the future. But I also know that with the right support, recovery is within reach.

Before I found Cancer Fatigue Services, I had already begun studying prosthetics and orthotics at George Brown College. Inspired by my own recovery and the spinal orthosis that helped me walk again. Now, with training in both respected fields; rehabilitation and cancer-related fatigue care, I hope to help others regain their mobility, independence, and confidence. Cancer Fatigue Services did not just help me recover. They helped me rediscover who I always was. They reminded me that healing is not only about the body, but about self-identity, connection, and purpose.

We do not just treat, we relieve fatigue and restore hope through rebuilding strength, restoring confidence, and reconnecting with life.

And I am proud to be part of that journey, for myself and for you.