'We're in this together': Sask. woman spreading joy to other cancer warriors through crocheted keychains
A Saskatchewan woman is focusing on bringing happiness to other people who are battling cancer as she fights the disease herself.
In May 2022, Marielle Dionne was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
“I had surgery in October. I’ve been through five treatments of chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments. Now, I’m on immunotherapy for a year,” she said.
During her first chemotherapy treatment, Dionne said she noticed it was very quiet.
“I thought ‘oh gosh, I wish I could do something to bring a bit of conversation to the place,’” she said.
When she got home that day, she started brainstorming with her daughter Adelle, who is also fighting cancer.
They started searching for ideas online.
“That’s where I got the idea for the ribbon keychains,” Dionne said.
“I thought ‘gee, maybe this will make people talk a little bit and converse about their cancer while they’re at treatment.’”
Dionne started crocheting cancer ribbons in July, forming them into keychains.
She makes them in 21 different colours, which symbolize different forms of cancer.
“[Patients] can take the colour of their cancer if they want to show that they have a certain cancer, or they can take their favourite colour,” Dionne said.
She started off making 10 ribbons of every colour - 210 in total. Now about six months later, she’s made 654 and counting.
“I can whip them up in 10 minutes, but then I pin them all and starch them. They have to stay overnight. I also have a poem that I put with each one,” she said. “That’s what takes time.”
Fighting the disease has not been easy, but Dionne said this project keeps her busy while also bringing smiles to people who are in a similar position.
“I wanted them to know that they’re fighters. They’re warriors,” she said.
“They have a battle. They’re there because they’re fighting cancer the same way I’m fighting cancer. The same way my daughter is fighting cancer. I want them to know that they are important. It’s my way of showing them that we’re in this together.”
Adelle Dionne, Marielle’s daughter, said fighting cancer along side her mom hasn’t been easy, but it has brought them closer.
“I don’t wish it upon anyone, but we’re strong together,” Adelle said.
“[The ribbons] keeps her mind off treatment and to see her happy makes me happy.”
Dionne has started getting requests for her keychains from across the country. She has sent them as far as Ontario and British Columbia.
As she continues immunotherapy for a year, Dionne said she plans to keep creating keychains to spread a little joy to the people who need it.
“My plan is to continue until my daughter and I are free of cancer,” Dionne said.
“She and I will take a picture underneath the cancer free sign at the Allan Blair [Cancer Centre].”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.