Cheryl Petruk's life took an unexpected turn in 1991, shifting her path from a human resources professional to a nationally recognized champion for patients. The catalyst was the diagnosis of her husband, Eugene Petruk, with a rare, slow-growing blood cancer. This type of cancer falls under the umbrella of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of disorders Cheryl knew little about at the time.
The Birth of an Advocate
Determined to be the best possible caregiver, Cheryl immersed herself in learning everything she could about Eugene's condition. In an era before widespread digital resources, she and Eugene consulted doctors, connected with other patients, and scoured available information. Cheryl quickly realized a critical gap: accessible, reliable information for patients was scarce.
"Patient advocacy is so important when you're facing a serious health care concern, and you can't be an effective advocate if you don't have good information," Cheryl reflects. "I figured that if I had questions, there were undoubtedly others who had the same questions." This insight became the driving force behind her future work.
Building a National Support Network
In 2014, Cheryl co-founded the Canadian MPN Network, a patient advocacy group designed to fill that information void. The organization grew into a primary resource for Canadians impacted by MPNs, providing crucial information and facilitating connections to support groups. Cheryl led this effort as the volunteer board chair for over five years, witnessing firsthand the power of shared experience.
"Participating in a support group can really make a difference when you're dealing with a serious health issue," she says. "When you get together with other people, you don't feel so alone."
A Legacy Forged in Loss
When Eugene succumbed to his disease in 2018, Cheryl faced a crossroads. Instead of stepping back, she redoubled her commitment to the cause. That same year, she helped establish the Canadian MPN Research Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to funding MPN research in Canada, serving as its executive director for more than five years.
Her work directly touched lives like that of Wendy Reichental, who received a shocking MPN diagnosis at age 60 during a routine check-up, despite having no symptoms. "I Googled MPN Canada, and this organization came up," Wendy recalls. "I called and spoke to the executive director, and she became my lifeline. Cheryl and I have never met in person, but she has become a dear friend."
Wendy's story highlights the progress in managing these cancers. "Doctors have predicted that I'll die with the disease, but I won't die because of it," she explains, noting that long-term chemotherapy can control the condition.
Expanding the Mission of Patient Empowerment
In 2023, Cheryl transitioned from her role at the MPN Research Foundation to focus fully on Heal Canada, an organization she founded in 2018. This initiative broadens her scope beyond MPNs, dedicating itself to patient education and advocacy across the healthcare spectrum. Cheryl Petruk's journey, born from personal adversity, has evolved into a sustained national mission to empower patients and caregivers with knowledge, community, and a stronger voice within the healthcare system.
