Based in Vancouver, Canada, Choosing Joy was created by Melanie Gold and her daughter Shira, and is founded on their shared experiences and insight. Melanie became a cancer patient in late 1999, and Shira found herself in the ensuing role of primary caregiver. Together Melanie and Shira created a framework for living joyfully in the face of illness and adversity - Melanie’s choice to whole-heartedly adopt a positive mental attitude was paired with Shira’s dedication and energy. This combination and their family and friends’ collaborative approach to loving and caregiving made their journey remarkable.

After four years of living with metastatic melanoma, from the primary site on my back, to my left armpit and lymph nodes, to my right lung and mediastynum, then further in the mediastynum between my heart and spine – four metastases, three surgeries, radiation, being told there was nothing more to be done to keep me alive – the finding, becoming part of and having success with a trial of Biochemotherapy in the United States and now, in my current status as a survivor… we chose, to “Choose Joy”. We, that is, my daughter Shira, my primary caregiver for four years, and my amazing care team of doctors, family and friends that have kept me alive. Together, we chose to “Choose Joy.” After all, it feels so very much better than the alternative! It is with my deep gratitude to each of them that has made “Choosing Joy” a real choice for me and I hope every person it reaches.

~ Melanie Joy Sara Gold (Mom)

Armed with information, a positive mental attitude and a penchant for all things silly, Mom chose to never conform to the norm. She blazed through treatments wearing hot pink and purple wigs and carrying purses stuffed with talisman dolls. The possibility to share another day and her insatiable desire to learn and explore drove her forward. Along with her chosen team, Mom established a game-plan to navigate the rigors of treatment and recovery, making frequent pit-stops of laughter and joy. Medical professionals and patients alike were astounded and touched by her strength, heart and positivism. Through her courage and brilliant light, she showed others how to redirect fear and move forward with a positive outlook regardless of their physical condition. With Mom, there was never a day without laughter, imagination, artful discussion and especially love. At the end of each day, her words were always, “Thank you for this day, I am so lucky.”

If I only had 3 things to define me…
a wing
a heart and
eyes that work in concert

~ Melanie Joy Sara Gold (Mom)

Mom was very conscious of the choices she made and of the positive effects she could have on others. After completing treatment, Mom and I reflected on what we had learned through our shared experience. We came to realize that, as patient and caregiver, we had created a framework for living joyfully in the face of illness and adversity. Mom and I decided our next challenge would be to create ways to help others find this joy.

Mom was the embodiment of Choosing Joy, and we were truly blessed to know and love her. It is my sincere hope that you are able to share some of her joy through our efforts.

Truly,

Shira Gold