Since that very first life changing February 4th, Carley’s legacy has raised over $1,000,000 to inspire integrative cancer care.

Guest Article by Riley Allison, Executive Director Calrey’s Angels, and Carley’s Big Sister

This month - on the 4th - we observe World Cancer Day. A day where the world pauses to remember those lost to cancer, celebrates those who have beaten cancer, and honours the incredible work of scientists worldwide who strive to one day finish cancer. Although for us these moments happen everyday, it’s important to shine the spotlight one day a year where we all pause to think about Cancer. 

So as an organization focused on inspiring Integrative Cancer Care and spreading Carley’s message of always smile, you might assume World Cancer Day holds special meaning for us…But what we are about to share is probably not what you expected… 

February 4th, 2013

This day was marked in our calendars as Mark’s 50th Birthday, because at that time all February 4th was, was our Dad’s Birthday, nothing more.

But February 4th, 2013 would be the day that changed our lives forever. Carley was rushed into the emergency room short of breath and severely underweight. After rounds of tests, oxygen tubes, breathing masks and much more, one curious doctor finally scoped Carley’s throat. 

The scope stopped dead in its tracks. 

It couldn’t go any further because something was in its way. It was at that moment that we finally realized Carley didn’t have exercise-induced asthma. Before any other tests were run Carley was taken into the OR (operating room) for an emergency tracheostomy (Simply put, to create an airway for her to breath below the mass in her throat). We slept in hospital chairs sprawled across the room waiting for her to wake. Anyone who has seen Kiss and Cry knows exactly how this part goes. She awoke to frantically scribble down the story of how she felt she was being drowned, how the anesthetic that was supposed to jumble her memory didn’t work, and how she was awake for the incision into her neck.

But, she breathed, and breathed easier. So for that brief moment we did too.

As you can imagine, that quickly ended as not knowing what she was up against started to sink in. That was February 4th, 2013.

February 4th, 2014 was our Dad’s second and successful 50th Birthday Celebration.

February 4th, 2017

A few years later, after our brave girl gained her wings, came February 4th, 2017. The Toronto Premiere of Kiss and Cry. Another February 4th with tremendous meaning to us, and those who were about to be touched by the story of our girl.

This day changed our lives, again. 

Carley’s story was out in the world and ready to inspire hundreds of thousands of people. Her message of “Always Smile” was about to embark on a worldwide journey (courtesy of Netflix). And soon our inboxes would be flooded with messages about how Carley and her courageous outlook on life have saved their lives. These messages have not stopped, they have doubled

February 4th, 2021

Our dad (Mark’s) 58th Birthday and World Cancer Day. We continue to honour Carley by working to unite traditional and holistic cancer care in hospitals while of course spreading her message of always smile! 

Since that very first life changing February 4th, Carley’s legacy has raised over $1,000,000 to inspire integrative cancer care. Funds that were used to launch the very first FIRST Psychosocial Oncology Fellowship program at SickKids. This innovative program includes therapies encompassing mental health, mindfulness, nutrition, and support groups for cancer patients and their families!

And we promise you that’s just the beginning, because we made a promise to our girl, that we will ensure her story is not a tragedy, its triumph.

Learn more about Carley’s Legacy and how the Carley’s Angels Foundation continues to support integrative cancer care in the same spirit as Carley did by visiting their website, online store, and donating so other cancer patients can access these innovative care programs and therapies.

If you have any questions or comments on Carley’s story, World Cancer Day or for Riley; be sure to leave them below!