PEP'S POWER PLAY: TEAMING UP WITH HER COMMUNITY TO CONQUER CANCER
“In life, just like in sports, you’re bound to face setbacks. It’s how you respond that makes all the difference. With a positive mindset and the support of your team, you can turn any challenge into a victory. The lessons I’ve learned on the rink are just as valuable in life’s toughest moments.” – Michelle Pepin.
When Michelle Pepin (Pep) steps onto the ice, she carries with her a lifetime of lessons defined by the hurdles she has overcome and the heights she has reached. From surviving heart surgery as a baby to becoming a world-class master age class speed skater, Michelle has lived her life in constant motion – pushing limits, breaking records, and facing adversity with optimism and determination. Through it all, she’s learned one essential truth: the greatest victories are never achieved alone. It’s a lesson she has felt deeply this year, as her community has stepped up in extraordinary ways to support her as she faces her toughest opponent yet—stage 3 endometrial cancer. This opponent doesn’t stand a chance because Pep is on the power play and instead of a one-man advantage she has an entire community standing with her.
Growing up in the close-knit town of Mattawa, Ontario, Michelle’s sense of community started with her loving family. Her mom, a nurse of 40 years, her dad, a logger, and her often humorous brother instilled in her the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. When times were tough, sports became her anchor. Whether she was playing hockey or practicing hurdles for her track and field team, she learned that resilience wasn’t just about physical toughness—it was about heart.
That spirit carried Michelle through life’s ups and downs. After a horse-racing accident as a young jockey in Kamloops ended her involvement in contact sports, Michelle took up speed skating, where she broke records and earned her place among the world’s best. Now, a beloved power skating coach in British Columbia’s Interior, she passes on those same lessons to young athletes: work hard, believe in yourself, and lean on your teammates when life gets tough.
When Michelle received her diagnosis, her first reaction was one of disappointment—after all, she had always taken such good care of her body. But she refused to let negative emotions take hold. Instead, she refocused, approaching the challenge like any other competition—with a clear game plan and an unrelenting will to fight.
Her treatment has been grueling. After undergoing a hysterectomy this summer, Michelle has completed her sixth and final round of chemotherapy at Royal Inland Hospital and will soon begin radiation in Kelowna. Throughout her journey, she’s drawn strength from the guidance and support of her care team. Her gynecologist, Dr. Rita Chuang, her family doctor and familiar hockey dad, Dr. Mark Fenrich, and her oncologist, Dr. Thinn Pwint, have been in her corner every step of the way. Not to mention, her registered nurse Taylor Bachmier, who shares a passion for the ice and always offers Michelle positive vibes along with a reassuring fist bump every time she steps foot in RIH’s cancer clinic.
Her treatment has been grueling. After undergoing a hysterectomy this summer, Michelle has completed her sixth and final round of chemotherapy at Royal Inland Hospital and will soon begin radiation in Kelowna. Throughout her journey, she’s drawn strength from the guidance and support of her care team. Her gynecologist, Dr. Rita Chuang, her family doctor and familiar hockey dad, Dr. Mark Fenrich, and her oncologist, Dr. Thinn Pwint, have been in her corner every step of the way. Not to mention, her registered nurse Taylor Bachmier, who shares a passion for the ice and always offers Michelle positive vibes along with a reassuring fist bump every time she steps foot in RIH’s cancer clinic.
“Growing up, I watched my mom dedicate herself to nursing with such compassion and selflessness. Now, experiencing that same level of care from my medical team, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for their work. Their expertise, kindness, and devotion have carried me through this fight, and I have the utmost respect for everything they do.” – Michelle Pepin
When you give to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, you’re supporting the entire network of care that makes cancer treatment possible. From diagnosis to recovery, cancer patients rely on many areas of the hospital, including emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, surgery, oncology, laboratory, ongoing supportive care, and more. Your gift strengthens this vital system, ensuring patients receive the comprehensive healthcare they need at every step of their journey.
On Michelle’s toughest days, she has her loving husband Jody by her side offering her comfort and encouragement to keep going. She also finds inspiration in the outpouring of support from her power skating community and hockey family. Their thoughtful cards and uplifting words of encouragement never fail to lift her spirits and remind her of the impact she’s had on so many lives. Michelle explains, “When I decided to share my diagnosis with my students and their families, I wanted them to see resilience in action. I wanted them to believe, if coach Pep can fight cancer, we can push through double overtime. We can do anything we set our minds to.”
Her contagious positivity has energized everyone who knows her. “We don’t have much time on this planet.” she says. “So be a good person, make people laugh, and stay as positive as you can. And when someone needs help, step up. That’s what community is about.”
This holiday season, Michelle invites you to join her team. Every donation to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation helps strengthen the different departments in the hospital that fuel recovery, resilience, and hope. As Michelle’s story shows, we are stronger together.
In life, just like on the ice, every great victory starts with a great team. Will you be part of ours?
