A Goliath with the warmest heart, Iain and I were recently married on July 23, 2022. You would recognize him as the good-looking, charming, English guy with rockstar hair and a cool-as-a-cucumber demeanour; responsible for our incredible On Demand Virtual filming setup, fixing our computer issues and occasionally attending one of my Yoga classes at Alive. Iain radiates a magnetic force field like non-other, with the catchiest, belly laugh.
During a work trip to Boston at the end of January, 2023, iain started to feel dizzy, and unbalanced. His team called the ambulance where the hospital tests revealed a strawberry size tumour, from an ‘aggressive form of cancer.’ Upon this news I flew to Boston and was able to be by his side for an emergency craniotomy. They were able to remove some of the tumour, and after another 10 days we were both able to fly back home to Victoria.
Iain has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer. He has been given 8-10 months survival time with possibly 3 more months with treatment (chemo/radiation). With this news it is my goal to support him in a caregiving role and to make life as normal, comfortable and happy for Iain and the 3 kids for as long as possible.
As the doctor told us, “plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
Iain and I are both very appreciative of the support and warmth we are already receiving from friends and family as we manage this very difficult time. I have had to shift into a caregiver role for Iain as he currently has very limited mobility on his left side and no mobility in his left arm. Tasks like reading, lengthy conversations, texting, walking, cooking, and even things like tying his shoes are difficult to impossible. Again, I appreciate your patience as I divert most of my energy and time to help Iain. I plan to continue teaching for a short time longer, maybe at times requiring substitute instructors, depending how the situation evolves.
As for myself I do enjoy hugs and chats, however my capacity right now is quite limited as I manage my emotions and shift gears into 'teacher mode' when at the studio. I look forward to seeing you in class and just your calm, kind energy has felt very nice. I do ask that if you'd like to chat we reserve any conversations and check-ins for the end of class. Thanks also for doing your best to maintain the studio as a positive, welcoming space for all. Introducing yourself to new members, helping others, sharing praise and positivity are all great ways you can help too!
Love to you all. This weird and wonderful life is short, make sure you tell those around you how much they mean to you. Soak in every moment of goodness.
— Kristen Jensen-Rose
