Denis Raymond credits A Fresh Chapter for reminding him of his past and encouraging him to look at the future. Read Denis’ story from diagnosis to pursuing his dreams.

From the Unknown to India

In May 2013, Denis Raymond, from Ottawa, experienced headaches and hiccups for 24 hours, which led to a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiform, a type of brain cancer. Denis learned he had a baseball sized tumor and went into surgery the next day. He completed a year of chemotherapy, radiation and participated in a clinical trial. During treatment, Denis continued working as a teacher but knew he wanted to do something different.

Since Denis’ cancer had a median survival rate of around 15 months, he questioned the idea of going back to school. “There were a lot of question marks. I was scared of dying, recurrence, the unknown.” When he heard about a last-minute spot available for the 2016 India Odyssey, he jumped at the opportunity, just three weeks away.

In New Delhi, Denis worked at a school in a slum teaching French, math and music. The work felt natural, with his previous classroom experience. Being in India reminded Denis of his passion for travel. After the program ended, he spent an additional two weeks in India, with stops in Rishikesh, Mumbai and the province of Goa. Denis embraced a free flowing and flexible way of travel, like he had done on previous trips to places like Egypt, Vietnam and Costa Rica. He stayed at hostels and made friends along the way. “I had not done that kind of travel in years,” he said. “I was very happy I did. It reminded me of who I was.”

The Return

When Denis returned home, he made some big life decisions, including ending a relationship and stopping treatment. He also enrolled in school, to study for a Master of Social Work. He wanted to work with people impacted by cancer. As part of his course, Denis completed an internship at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, where he worked with people one on one, as well as in groups. Denis said it was a challenge to go back to school, after eight years away. He adapted to a new schedule and was expected to be independent. It was different than a 9 to 5 job, Denis explained. “It’s 24 hours. You have to manage it.”

When he was working, he filled his evenings with activity. Once he started the master’s program, he realized he needed to drop things, in order to focus on classes. Denis still managed to make time for volunteer work, organizing social activities for Young Adult Cancer Canada and serving as a co-facilitator with Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, leading support groups for patients and caregivers. “[A Fresh Chapter] gave me permission to think about the future and accept change, something I haven’t been able to do in years. It changed my mindset and thinking. It helped me reignite things I forgot about myself.” His experience also reinvigorated his interest and passion for traveling.

Turning the Page in Peru

Recently, Denis spent nearly a month trekking in Peru. When he saw a cheap flight to Peru, he immediately decided to go. Denis knew if he still had his medical device, he would not have made that decision. He stayed at hostels and did not make plans. Denis visited Machu Picchu and Coca Canyon, which he said was twice the size of the Grand Canyon. “The wildlife was wonderful.” There, he saw llamas, alpacas and condors. “I’ve never really seen or heard of what a condor was, until I saw one in person.” Since Denis loves to travel off the beaten path, he rarely encountered anyone who spoke English. He used his first language of French to help understand similar Spanish words and took advantage of technology. “I feel so invigorated now. I feel a different energy level.”

Denis says people can experience “a fresh chapter,” even if they are unable to travel but admits, “It doesn’t quite have the same impact.” He recommends socializing with other cancer survivors. “Rediscover your interests and passions.” He also suggested discovering new passions and hobbies. “I believe in the power of groups. Experience those things with others who share the cancer experience.” Denis is starting the second year of his master’s program. This winter, Denis’ internship will be with Hope and Cope in Montreal, providing psychosocial support to cancer patients. “I’ll always be involved in the world of cancer support,” he said.