CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE July/August 2020 | Page 33

background, I had quite the control over the
mindset of falling or failing and quickly getting
back up.
Once I completed the treatment, I had to go
back for some more tests to see if there was any
change to the tumor. The MRI showed minimal
shrinkage to the tumor.
My kids have been amazing throughout this
journey of mine. Zoe and Joshua grew up quite
fast, taking on responsibilities with the two little
ones, Noah and Oli. I am so grateful for my
family.
At times, like this, you really find out who your
true friends are. I cannot believe the outpouring
of support I received. It was overwhelming but I
will be forever grateful.
Side effects that I’m still dealing with are almost
complete loss of vision to my left eye as the
tumor is pressed against my optic nerve. Nerve
damage to the left side of my face. I constantly
and consistently have sounded like I am
congested but really, I’m not sick. My short-term
memory and some long-term memory are not as
sharp as they used to be. I am less patient and
more irritable. I am not able to handle pressure
and stress like I used to.
However, after all this, I will say that I am a better
person. I am stronger. I know who I am more
than ever. I am more compassionate. I see a lot
of things in a different light. I worry less about
what others think of me. I live in the moment
and am present. I do things now that I wouldn’t
normally do. I take ownership of who I am
and the actions that I take. Most importantly,
I have found my life’s purpose. I now aspire to
empower and inspire others to free themselves
from their own limitations. I can teach them to
discover and unleash the power they have within
themselves that they didn’t know they had.
children. The staff and Doctors at the hospital
were phenomenal.
The first time we went, Zoe, asked me…”Mommy,
you do not look like those other patients.”
During the entire time, and of course, after Dr.’s
approval, I had started to train for the Popeye’s
Fall Classic. I trained throughout the entire
treatment. It made me feel good on the outside
which made me feel stronger on the inside.
I never adopted the “victim” mentality or mindset.
I had always believed that everything happens
for a reason and because of my coaching
On November 3, I stepped out on stage at the
Popeye’s Fall Classic at the River Rock Casino.
I was honoured to be the recipient of the
prestigious Status Fitness Magazine’s Most
Inspirational Award.
I live with my tumor and I accept it. It is part of
me and I own it. I am proud to say that I am a
single mom of four beautiful children and lead
by example the way I would like for my children
to be when faced with challenges.
JULIANA.VALLEE.FITNESS
ALISOHRAB.COM
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