Terminal cancer patient’s journey chronicled in documentary

The inspiring journey of a Calgary woman diagnosed with terminal cancer is documented in a new film that premieres in Calgary this weekend.

Jen Gardiner got the shock of her life when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

“Seeing it was Stage 4, I was given a prognosis of two years. I thought two years? – this is nuts.”

That diagnosis was made in December, 2011.

Gardiner now has just months to live, at the most, and she is determined to make the most of it.

“If you live your life worried, you’re living in fear. You have to be unplugged from that, live it fiercely and out loud and be present in every single second of it.”

“I decided to do everything I could to beat the odds, but if the odds weren’t with me, it was going to be the most remarkable, fantastic two years anybody has ever seen.”

“If you live your life worried, you’re living in fear,” Gardiner continues. “You have to be unplugged from that, live it fiercely and out loud and be present in every single second of it.”

“Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen, baby, and don’t be a slave to that.”

Judy Gabriel is the writer and director of “Jen Unplugged, The Uplife Project”.

“Jen’s story will shed light in the dark places, because a lot of us go through pain and sadness and we don’t want to wake up, but here’s this thing that can inspire you and this can move forward and you can do something better.”

“That’s what made me want to do this – she is amazing,” adds Gabriel. “She has a great message; she is empowering and inspiring in many ways.”

Gardiner says taking part in the documentary is the best thing she’s ever done, but it won’t be the last.

“I’m not afraid to die; I am secure and happy with what I am going to do on the other side.”

The red carpet premiere of “Jen Unplugged, The Uplife Project” is at Calgary’s Theatre Junction on Saturday.