After battling leukemia 13 years ago, today Hailey Delaney is cancer-free.
“I am feeling thankfully blessed to be so lucky even after what I had been through,” said Hailey, who is now 15 years old. “God is good indeed – never lose hope.”
In 2013, Hailey’s symptoms first began appearing through mysterious bruises. One day, her nose started bleeding without stopping. After a series of tests at the hospital, the three-year-old was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia and underwent treatment.
Years later, her mother Maria Loares still remembers how difficult it was to watch Hailey suffer.
“As Hailey’s mom, I couldn’t see her suffer – I couldn’t bear to see how weak she was,” Maria said. “I thought I was going to lose her that time.”
In 2015, Maria was a UFCW member working at a meat processing plant in Toronto, when she and Hailey shared their story at the annual Stewards’ Conference.
Hailey’s story of resilience and survival is a testament to the life-saving progress that is being made in the fight against blood cancers.
Now in 2026, Maria reports that Hailey is doing well and enjoying high school as a student in Grade 10.
“I feel proud and happy that she survived what she went through when she was little,” Maria said. “My message to the patients and families is to never give up and to have faith in God.”
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is at the forefront of this battle, with support from UFCW Canada, to raise awareness and funds for a cure.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve seen extraordinary progress in the fight against blood cancers, with many of the largest improvements in cancer survival rates occurring in blood cancers thanks to breakthroughs in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and clinical trials,” said Ryan O’Quinn, Business Development and Advancement Director with LLSC.
Since 1985, UFCW Canada members have raised more than $54 million for the LLSC.
“I am so thankful for the UFCW for working to fundraise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and supporting cancer research,” Maria said.
The partnership between UFCW Canada and the LLSC has been vital to bringing hope to survivors and patients across the country.
“UFCW Canada and their dedicated members have played an integral role in this progress—funding life-saving research, supporting patients and families, and helping accelerate the discovery of new treatments that are giving more people the chance to live longer, healthier lives,” Ryan said.
This year alone, the LLSC is supporting programs that fund 34 researchers, who are researching treatments for blood cancers.
This fall, UFCW 1006A will be participating in Light the Night events in London (October 17), Toronto (October 24), and Ottawa (October 25) to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
To participate with 1006A, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include your name, cellphone number, and "Leukemia Light the Night" in the subject line.
“UFCW members have always stood together to support families facing blood cancer, and the Light the Night walk is a powerful way to bring that solidarity to life in the community,” Ryan said. “By joining us in Ottawa, London, and Toronto, you will be showing patients and families that when one person is fighting cancer, an entire community stands with them.”
As for Maria and Hailey, they are grateful for this chapter of life.
“All I can say is: Never take life for granted,” Maria said. “Trials in life tend to pull us down, but it doesn’t mean we have to give up.”
As for Maria and Hailey, they are grateful for this chapter of life. “All I can say is: Never take life for granted,” Maria said. “Trials in life tend to pull us down, but it doesn’t mean we have to give up.”
Did You Know?
The five-year survival rates have increased by 19 per cent for leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
