Melissa SmithHi, I’m Melissa! I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, majoring in Family Science. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.
My treatments included chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a number of surgeries. Treatment was tough, but I learned a lot about myself, and I now have an awesome scar to show for it! During my treatment, I interacted with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Kids Cancer Care and Children’s Wish Foundation, who each in turn inspired me to use my experiences to reach out and help people.
I started by volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House just as soon as I was well enough to do so. I participated specifically in the Home For Dinner Program for a year before I graduated highschool.
Now, I’m working as a Behavioral Interventionist at the Centre For Autism while in school. My goal is to continue working in the non-profit sector once I graduate.
