Article

Kerry Fraser: Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Cancer

Author(s):

Kerry Fraser

Retired NHL referee Kerry Fraser shares his advice for coping with a new diagnosis after receiving his own in 2017.

During an interview on the CURE Talks Cancer podcast, retired NHL referee Kerry Fraser offered some winning advice for individuals who may find themselves facing a cancer diagnosis like he did back in 2017, when he was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia following the routine screening of his pre-operation bloodwork.

Listen to the full podcast with Kerry Fraser here.

Transcription:

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just beginning their cancer journey?

Be positive. Know that you can win. Be a winner, not a loser. Don't be defeated. Don't be deflated. There's going to be ups and downs. It's going to be a roller coaster ride, especially in the beginning, but if you have a support group, terrific. If you don't have one, they are out there. Find one. There are all kinds of people like me who are available to help. There's the Canadian MPN Foundation, with all kinds of information, medical and how to emotionally conquer what's ahead of you. And I think a positive outlook and attitude is the best thing that any of us can have.

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