John Routely was diagnosed with
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 1999
Our daughter was born just nine months prior to my diagnosis. She
is our first and only daughter. I was going to Capilano College in
North Vancouver taking the Registered Care Aid Program. I only had
my practicum left. I was very active hiking and exploring around North
Vancouver. I just became a Christian and was very involved with my new
church family. I was thoroughly blessed: enjoying being a new father and
feeling on top of the world. My wife and I were excited about starting
a family and were planning our future with no idea that I would shortly
be diagnosed with such a serious, life-threatening illness.
When I was 31, I was diagnosed in December 1999 with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia (ALL), Philadelphia chromosome positive. I felt disbelief at first,
then scared; everything was happening so fast. I went to Emergency with
jaundice one evening and was told my blood work was “wonky”. The WBC
was significantly elevated, and the next day I had to have a bone marrow biopsy
that confirmed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Then the following day chemotherapy was
started. My parents rushed down from Smithers. I cannot even begin to describe the shock our family
was in after learning I had such an aggressive leukemia. Family and friends were contacted
and began supporting and praying for us....
