Medical appointments aren’t uncommon for Jesse Lightstone. Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, the clinical social worker with Nova Scotia Health was used to check ups and tests.
Unbeknownst to Jesse, a conversation with a nurse during a routine medication infusion for the disease would change his life.
“When you have Crohn’s, it’s not unusual to have a high blood platelet count. I was explaining my need for blood work to the nurse taking care of me that day. She was kind, took an interest and got curious. She mentioned that while the high blood platelets could be from Crohn’s, it could be something to look into more.”
This conversation led Jesse back to his nurse practitioner who agreed to refer him to the hematology unit at the QEII Health Sciences Centre for further testing.
“The medical team there agreed that I was physically fit and my Crohn’s has been stable for ten years, so it didn’t make sense for my platelets to be up. This led them to conduct a bone marrow test which revealed I have blood cancer. At the time they believed it was either pre-fibrotic myelofibrosis or essential thrombosis — both common in people in their 60s. At the time I was 28.”
That was it — Jesse had cancer. But the doctors can’t be sure which type of blood cancer it was until the disease progresses.
“The doctor said it was unique to catch it at this stage. They monitor it and, if or when it progresses, they’ll start treatments and medications. So, for now, all I take is an aspirin to thin out my blood because I can be prone to blood clots. But that’s where I feel different. I haven’t had chemo. I haven’t had any kind of serious cancer treatment. I feel like I’ve like been able to look into the future — I’ve been diagnosed with a cancer and it’s going to come knocking on my door at some point, but not today.”
Jesse admits the first few months after his diagnosis were challenging.
“It was terrifying. I remember leaving the appointment, sitting in my car and being very angry and very tearful. I went to my older sister’s birthday party that night and just didn’t tell anybody to not ruin the party. The first person I told was my then-fiancée/now-wife and mother of my two kids. In those first three months I went through all the stages of grief. But eventually I accepted the diagnosis. In a way it was kind of a gift. It changed my relationship with mortality. I couldn’t let the idea of this cancer crush my soul for the next 40 years.”
With his diagnosis accepted, Jesse was driven to do something to support his future healthcare needs. Jesse signed up to participate in the QEII Foundation’s BMO Ride for Cancer.
“Someday my cancer is going to progress. I’ll probably need a bone marrow transplant or some treatment. I hate to say it, but that was my motivator to start raising money for the QEII Foundation. It feels a bit selfish but I’m trying to invest in my future treatment that I know I’m going to need at some point. Obviously, you want to raise money for the greater good — cancer can hit anybody. I just happen to be in this unique position where I know I’m going to need this care and these advances.”
Jesse has taken part in BMO Ride for Cancer for the past eight years, acknowledging his fundraising efforts and fight against cancer isn’t just for him. He now fights to watch his two daughters grow.
“If you have ever thought about being part of BMO Ride for Cancer, do it! It’s so fulfilling. In a way, being part of the ride gives me a lot of pride. Not only is it an amazing event and experience, but it also kind of pays dividends to the entire community.”
“To the riders who’ve maybe never ridden, you will feel the reward from knowing that you’re directly supporting cancer care — maybe for a friend, a neighbour or a family member. Plus, there is the vibe of the event — there is such a buzz and so much energy!”
Usually, Jesse does the ride on his own, but he’s hoping to recruit his friends and their kids to take part in the 2026 event, including his daughter.
“I haven’t figured out if our kids are going to grow up knowing I have cancer. My Crohn’s I can’t hide but my cancer isn’t obvious at the moment. I think understanding and being able to lead by example is good, but I don’t want to scare them. I do want them to be part of my cancer fundraising journey though; have it be a father/daughter bonding moment.”
While Jesse continues to live with his cancer, he remains thankful — to the nurse who encouraged him to have a closer look at his health and for the perspective the disease has given him.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was early in my career as a therapist. My manager at the time told me it’s the best job to have when you need to grieve and he was right. Going through this has made me better at my job. Grief, death, anxiety — this cancer has given me a different vantage point to see these experiences through. It allows me to connect with my patients on a different level and they know they’re not alone.”
Proudly hosted by the QEII Foundation, BMO Ride for Cancer is one of Canada’s top five peer-to-peer cycling events. Since 2015, our BMO Ride for Cancer community has raised over $15 million net (and counting!) to fund cancer-fighting technology, equipment and spaces at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
