Feb. 4, 2021

UCalgary researcher marks World Cancer Day with tribute to survivor

Julie Deleemans' cancer journey inspires research collaboration with Faye Chleilat on how cancer treatments might affect the gut microbiome

Faye Chleilat, left, and Julie Deleemans present their research.

Julie Deleemans is a UCalgary cancer researcher whose life is a remarkable story of survival. When she was 18, her life was turned upside down by cancer. As she recovered, she made the choice to overcome the trauma and persevere, now working on her PhD in psychosocial oncology at the Cumming School of Medicine.

Her cancer journey brought her full circle — from patient, to researcher and advocate, hoping to help other young people navigate their cancer diagnosis. Research collaborator Dr. Faye Chleilat, PhD, marks World Cancer Day today with a tribute to her friend and colleague.