Prime Minister shout out
TRURO, N.S. - A local warrior battling cancer got a shoutout from the prime minister this weekend.
Maia Zann-roland, known as Maia the Mighty, was addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau for her bravery and resilience while fighting Osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
“You're inspiring your community and athletes from across North America,” said Trudeau. “You're teaching us all to live in the moment to appreciate life and the family and friends we share it with. And you've shown us how to accept the unexpected curveballs that life throws at us with dignity and grace. You inspire us all to do better and to be better.”
He also gave a special mention to the Spartans gymnastic team along with coach Kim Bernard, the entire Truro community, the Truro Lions Club, Children’s Wish Foundation and the healthcare workers such as those at the IWK Health Centre and the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
“This is what we do as Canadians,” continued Trudeau. “We support each other. And Maia, we're with you. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I send you all of our love and support.”
Cumberland-colchester MP Lenore Zann, who is sister to Maia's mother, Tamara Zann-roland, said the 17-year-old was “a little bit starstruck” and had a big smile following the prime minister's remarks.
“This is a girl who said that life is better when you're laughing," said Zann. “And so anything that puts a smile on her face, at this point, I'm really, really happy to see.”
Zann said that the prime minister has called her before to check in on how Maia and constituents in Cumberlandcolchester are doing. She received the video from Trudeau’s assistant and immediately shared it with Maia and her family. It was later shared on Facebook.
Cancer returned to just above Maia’s right knee last year, leading to amputation in September. In December it was determined that the Osteosarcoma had spread to her lungs. Maia started a new oral medication, Regorafenib, which is slowing the tumour’s growth but is not a cure.
Tremendous community support has come in all kinds of ways. Over the weekend the Spartans set up and enjoyed a life-sized “Maiopoly” game with Maia. And a recent message also came from members of the Halifax ALTA Gymnastics Club, who formed body letters of Maia’s name.
Maia’s crutches are not stopping her. Zann said the gymnast hopped onto some monkey bars while on a walk in the park just the other day.
“She believes in living life for the moment – don't take anything for granted but be appreciative of each moment,” said Zann. “And that's what she's doing. She's really inspiring a lot of people, including me.”