As a professional athlete who has competed in numerous ultramarathons, Syl Corbett is the picture of health and fitness. Equally committed to her athletic and academic pursuits, she holds doctorates in exercise physiology and neuroscience.
Athletics has always been a staple in her life until it came to a screeching halt in the beginning of 2020 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing six weeks of chemotherapy and immunotherapy which she continues to this day, she thought her medical setbacks were behind her.
Four years after her initial diagnosis while she was getting back into training and running, she ran into a parked car and instantly knew something was off.
“From my neuroscience background, I knew pretty much what it was. When they suggested scans, I was quite certain of what the outcome would be,” Syl recalls.
The scans confirmed that she had brain cancer and she underwent surgery this year, at the end of March.
“I’m super fit so this was totally unexpected, but it was a good learning experience because I thought I did everything right.”
Syl received all her care at Foothills Medical Centre and sums up her healthcare team in one word, “amazing”.
She is particularly thankful to all the staff on Unit 112 who went far beyond her expectations. Her care was so outstanding that Syl wanted to give back directly to the unit so other patients continue to receive the world-class care that she was provided.
Syl shares her passion and knowledge with many professional athletes as a private consultant and has authored a book on the brain, titled “Orange Brain Project”. Coincidently, she started writing this book long before she found out she had brain cancer. She believes so strongly in the care she received on Unit 112 that she’s dedicated a portion of the book’s proceeds to be donated to Neurology at Foothills Medical Centre.
Her initial reaction to finding out she had cancer was, like many, a shock.
“A lot of people have many cancer cells and don’t know about it and for me it got to the point where I had to pay attention to it. I think I’ve had such illumination from it and have a new appreciation for health.”
She credits her incredible network of friends and family for supporting her during her battles with cancer. The biggest learning for her, was to remind herself that she wasn’t on an island and to reach out to people for help.
When she found out she had cancer, she realized that it wasn’t just her getting cancer, but all the people that cared about her were also affected. Her background in training helped frame her mindset to tackle cancer much like she would train for a race.
“I’ve done a lot of ultramarathons so I thought, ok, here we go again. Here’s another race with lows and highs and everything that goes along with it.”
Syl strived to be positive in the most difficult circumstances and her outlook on having cancer twice, is one of gratitude.
“I would have never slowed down without this diagnosis. I wouldn’t have had this compassion for myself. I look around and am amazed at other patients and caregivers. It’s a realization that I’m lucky to have.”
She hopes to inspire other cancer patients by emphasizing that there is always hope and many opportunities to focus on the positive. To support patients like Syl, donate today through Calgary Health Foundation.
