Gemma Badalamenti
‘Come In Right Away. Don’t Come Alone’
Gemma has always been diligent with her self breast exams. So when she discovered a hard, circular lump in her left breast, she knew in her gut that something wasn’t right.
After her first visit with her doctor, she was referred for a mammogram and ultrasound followed by a biopsy. When her doctor received the results, Gemma got a call asking her to come in that same afternoon, and was advised that she not come alone. Her devoted husband was by her side when the doctor said, ‘you have cancer’. Gemma gazed around the office as she took in those words. She couldn’t look at her husband. She could feel him unraveling beside her and the weight of his pain was more than she could bear.
“In that exact moment, I don’t know what was harder; hearing the diagnosis or seeing my husband – from the corner of my eye – just falling apart.”
That day was unforgettably difficult. Still, Gemma took a deep breath, and was determined to ‘keep it together’ and focus on her fight for herself, her husband, and her children.
Gemma’s Story
Gemma is a proud Italian-Canadian with a large and loving extended family. She grew up always knowing that, in her culture, the elder generation in her family preferred to keep illnesses quiet. Gemma chose a different path. Rather than face this alone, she was determined be open about her diagnosis and treatment.
Flanked by her adoring husband and two incredible children, she shared her journey with her extended family and close friends, inviting them to stand with her in her fight.
“This is my fight. But I have all of you on my team fighting and I want everyone to know. I want everyone to be aware that we’re going to get through this together.” Said Gemma.
Being Close To Home Made A World Of Difference
Gemma’s treatment plan called for three months of chemotherapy, followed by twenty five rounds of radiation. Because she received all her treatment nearby at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, she was rarely at an appointment alone. Friends and family were always offering to join her, and that support was invaluable during long treatment sessions and difficult moments. Chemotherapy visits often required Gemma to wear cryotherapy (freezing) gloves to combat chemotherapy neuropathy; it was during these extremely difficult times that she was so thankful to have her family and friends by her side.
“Being close to home, I think made a world of difference for me. Each round of chemo, someone different came with me. Having someone there to chat with, or someone talking to me on the days I didn’t have the strength to speak, were a welcome distraction on my hardest days.”
Gemma says her family and friends were always offering to be there, whether it was joining her for appointments, or simply giving her a ride. These offers would be few and far between if she had to travel out of town for treatment.
In Our Home Town
Gemma was amazed at the care she received in Windsor; recalling their swift action of creating a plan that fell into place to treat her cancer.
“The care I received was exceptional. When I was asked to be an Ambassador, I knew this would be the perfect venue to give back to the incredible Centre that cared for me.”
Raising Funds For The DaVinci Xi
Gemma knows, firsthand, the value of supporting the efforts to enhance patient care in our community.
“The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation does so much to raise awareness and funds. I see this organization as the pillar of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre because these fundraising efforts give so much to support patients like me.”
While Gemma has not required robotic surgery, she knows that the high quality of care she did receive is in no small part thanks to our generous community. She is determined to ensure that every patient that walks through those doors continues to have access to the best care possible, without having to be away from loved ones during treatment.
Gemma’s Message To Supporters
Gemma Is One Of Five Grow On Windsor Ambassadors
Rod, Jim, Jill, Gemma, and George are local cancer survivors who are sharing their stories in the hopes that you’ll Team Up for Grow On Windsor. Donate in honour of an Ambassador, or register today and raise funds to support world class care close to home.