Kaylee and I met during our first year at UBC Okanagan, and from the start, I knew she was one of the most selfless, determined, and compassionate people I’d ever met. Now entering our final year of university together, I’ve watched her push through one of the hardest seasons of her life with extraordinary strength and resilience.

Last summer, Kaylee’s mom was diagnosed with lung cancer—an unthinkable blow after already battling and beating breast cancer once before. This time, the illness returned more aggressively. While the news was heartbreaking, Kaylee chose to channel her grief into action. It was a wake-up call—one that fuelled her mission to raise awareness, support vital research, and honour her mom’s courage.

To do this, Kaylee committed to training for the Ironman in October 2025, a gruelling triathlon that pushes athletes to their mental and physical limits. She’s been training tirelessly—while also studying full-time and working part-time to make ends meet.

Just last weekend, Kaylee’s beloved mom passed away. Her loss is immeasurable, but Kaylee is still moving forward. She is running, biking, and swimming not just in memory of her mom—but for every person and every family touched by cancer. She carries this fight in her heart with every step, every stroke, every mile.

This Ironman journey has become more than a race. It’s a tribute. A promise. A symbol of perseverance, hope, and love.

But this path is not easy. The costs of training, equipment, travel, and the emotional weight of it all have been resting on Kaylee’s shoulders. If you are able, please consider donating to support her journey.

Your generosity will help lift some of that burden and allow her to focus on her mission: to inspire, to heal, and to fund life-saving lung cancer research.

Kaylee has also started a fundraiser with the Canadian Cancer Society. If you would rather donate directly, click here.