Guest speaker to deliver inspirational message

Organizers of the 2014 Southwest Relay for Life have lined up a special guest speaker, Kyla McMullin, who will deliver what promises to be an inspiring message during the opening ceremonies on Friday night.

Kyla lives in Calgary but has strong local family connections and spent many summers in Shaunavon and area.

Kyla is a cancer survivor. On February 21, 2011, she gave birth to her first child, a beautiful daughter named Tally Rose.

However, three days after Tally’s birth, with her baby in her arms, and her husband Geoff at her side, Kyla learned that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Kyla speaks and also writes of  her experiences living with the diagnosis, the treatment, and the emotional roller coaster her life took on.

She speaks to HOPE – and how it guided her through chemotherapy – a road map of ups and downs, highs and lows, fear and victory.

She was humbled by the people she was surrounded by at the cancer center, and thankful that treatment was available.

“It is strange how quickly life changes, in just a breath, the world you thought you knew is taken away, and you are given a new look at life, with new priorities, and new reasons,” reflected Kyla.

Kyla says she no longer sweats the small stuff, and appreciates every moment that she is given.

Her priorities, she states, are to be a good mother and to continue to give back to the very research that saved her life.

When Kyla walks this year with her daughter at her side she will walk cancer free, and she will walk with these words in mind -“Stop and smell the Tally Roses.”

Get More The Shaunavon Standard →