Look Good Feel Better - Index

Look Good Feel Better - magazine - Index

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Looking forward
Erika Heller on life, love and commitment BY CYNTHIA BROUSE
“You’re given
a certain
amount of time
on this earth.
You’ve got to
do what makes
you happy”
To describe Look Good Feel Better spokesperson Erika Heller as
feisty is to make a colossal understatement. Diagnosed with Stage 4
colon cancer in 2005, she has been through eight surgeries, including
the removal of her large colon, and dozens of rounds of chemo, but
she’s focused on the future. Catch up with her — if you can.
We hear you’re getting married! On June 14, 2008. You know
when they say that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel? It doesn’t
necessarily have to be a cure of cancer. I honestly thought, I potentially
can’t have children, I might not make it. Who would want to handle
that? It takes a very special person.
And you found him. I did. Ryan and I both worked for the Hudson’s
Bay Company, then he transferred — he’s a human resources manager
— before my diagnosis. And we were both invited to a party.
Unfortunately I had chemo and couldn’t go. He e-mailed me and said,
“You know, I was hoping to see you there, and if you need anything or
you want to talk or something, e-mail and we’ll go for coffee.” So I did.
How did he propose? It was my 30th birthday. I had planned a
huge party; unfortunately chemo got in the way and I had to cancel.
So Ryan took me to Niagara Falls. In the restaurant, he got down
on one knee — it was really sweet.
What’s your dress like? It’s a two-piece Maggie Sottero with a
long train and beading and I can’t wait to wear it! Instead of the
bomboniere thing, we’re donating money to Look Good Feel
Better and Princess Margaret Hospital.
Ryan Cornell and Erika
What else are you looking forward to?
I’ve always wanted to be a mom. But if I can’t have
kids, we’ll adopt. In the meantime, our West
Highland terrier puppy was born two weeks ago!
At fi rst I was caught up with years and numbers.
And I learned very quickly that that’s not how I
want to live my life. What am I going to do,
circle a date on a calendar? You’re given a
certain amount of time on this earth. You’ve
got to do what makes you happy.
MAKEUP: SHERI STROH. STYLIST: RACHEL MATTHEWS. PROPS:
RODNEY SMITH; ALL JUDY INC. CHAIR: PAVILLION, TORONTO
PANTS AND HAIRBAND: H&M. RYAN’S CLOTHES: THE GAP
62 1 800 914 5665 | LOOKGOODFEELBETTER.CA