Golara Asefi had built a beautiful life for herself in Calgary. With a successful marketing career, an active lifestyle and an excitement for life, Golara could have never imagined the news she would receive at the young age of 36.
In late summer of 2021, Golara Asefi started feeling strange sensations across her chest and random spikes in her heart rate. She was told that there was nothing to worry about, as she was young and healthy; it was merely suspected to be side effects of the Covid vaccine, or inflammation, or stress—even though Golara insisted that she wasn’t stressed at the time. Golara received bloodwork, echocardiogram, and ultrasounds, but all were met with dead ends. During the span of 6 months, Golara spent multiple hours at walk-ins and the ER, but unfortunately, answers were not found.
“I refused to let cancer define me,” Golara says. “Even at my weakest and sickest moments, I still got up and got ready almost every morning and refused to give in and give up.”
Golara is excited for the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre – opening in 2024. “We’re in desperate need of a facility that provides comprehensive care for cancer patients, so that in the future, cancer patients don’t have to sit in crowded ER rooms for hours… It’s great that cancer patients will be able to seek and receive the best care this country has to offer in a facility that is designed specifically for their needs.
“Our medical professionals have been through some challenging times these last few years and they deserve all of the love, respect, and recognition possible.”
“If you feel like something is off with your body, listen to your body, trust it, and do not give up on seeking an answer.”
Inspired by Golara’s story? You can share your cancer journey too. You never know whose life you could change simply by talking about your own, contact us today.
