Setting His Own Limits (Part 1)

Mike Dawe was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer on April 29, 2021. With no family history of the disease, the 35-year old Registered Nurse, husband, father, and Ironman triathlete was shocked to learn his immediate future was going to look a lot different than expected.
This story shares some realities of young adults diagnosed and living with cancer in Canada and the impact it has on their close circles, and aims to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by an illness. The three-part series will highlight the journey of a young adult in our community, and how exercise and connecting with Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) -- a community that “gets it” -- is helping him to keep moving forward.
During the first episode, viewers get acquainted with Mike’s plans to take control of his cancer experience and his mental health by doing what he loves to do most -- exercise. Family, friends, and beloved musician Joel Plaskett share their perspectives on what Mike is going through.
Produced by YACC and Up Sky Down Films
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Watch part 2: • Setting His Own Limits...
Watch part 3: • Setting His Own Limits...

[@tasharyland]

Amazing!

[@gordongraham]

One of the most amazing Men I have ever met! So full of life, its a privilege to know you Mike

[@Youk709]

Great documentary Mike. It was a surreal feeling watching your videos because I'm currently sitting in the same isolation room that you were in at the HSC (4-132) and having RAI therapy for my thyroid cancer as well. My sister sent me the link to your documentary and I started with part 1 and couldn't stop watching until I had finished part 3. You summed up the emotion behind the diagnosis and the many ups and downs that come with it perfectly. Sometimes it's exhausting because the face that you put on for others is not always the way you feel inside, and it is an emotional rollercoaster. Your positive attitude and energy is inspiring because I to feel the same way, the only way ahead is to keep trudging forward. Some days it's harder and some days it's easier, but it's good to have people you love behind you to give you the push ahead when you need it. I have to admit that I did laugh at one point in your video, it was when you threw out your dinner. I did the same thing last night and it was the same dinner, bland carrots, bland chicken and bland rice. The positive is that real food is only a few days away after my scan!! Thanks for sharing your story Mike. It's good to know that other people going through this same diagnosis and treatment are feeling the exact same way. It makes you realize that you're not alone in this battle. Take care and thank you. edit: just had to add a note for your Dad. He was emotional and said that he couldn't protect you from this. He DID protect you. You know yourself, as a parent, that protection is more than just physical protection. He helped shape you your entire life and gave you the inner strength to get through this. To me that equates as protection. Job well done.

[@YoungAdultCancer]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful message! Wishing you well in your treatment and beyond!