Canadian Rock Artist Bif Naked Talks About Health
by Scott A. Sumner
Bif Naked, a Canadian Rock artist and cancer survivor, was in Thunder Bay to speak to a sold out audience about her personal experience with breast cancer.
“ I am here in Thunder Bay to be with my kindred spirits as a breast cancer survivor and talk about my treatment. It is amazing to be here at the Thunder Bay cancer centre to meet the staff, the volunteers and patients and just to experience the grand fortune that the region has
to have a facility like this.” said Bif Naked.
The dynamic Canadian rock success story enjoys meeting other cancer survivors. “ I never think that I am giving back, I think they are giving to me. When I was diagnosed I was given the opportunity to get off the crazy train I call it which was my job on tour for 20 years. It is a long time to be running around. Cancer care and the mutuality I enjoy with others is my passion right now and I enjoy being around people involved in the area,” said Bif Naked. “There seemed to be a
lack of shit starters or firecrackers and someone needed to create more dialogue. It seemed some of these people were listening to what I said.”
Bif naked enjoyed her tour of the cancer centre at the TBRHSC. “ There is so much thought and feeling put into this facility with the patient in mind. Everything is geared to patient care and well being. The people of this region are blessed.”
“ My diagnosis was a surprise as a 20 year vegetarian vegan off meat for along time and being a very active person. When I found the lump in my breast, sensitive to estrogen and growing like a weed, they got me into treatment right away with chemotherapy and then radiation with some residual effects of an infection after that. Then I was on tour 2 weeks later,” said Bif Naked. “ It has been crazy and an interesting experience through the process. I had a riot, a great time, I’m not going to lie to you. It enabled me to discover a field and group of
people I never would have before.”
Everything is good now for Bif Naked who has 3 more years to go cancer free for a total of 5 years since her diagnosis. “ I anticipate a happy outcome. Today I am doing acoustic shows and have two records coming out later this year. My management want me to finish my book as well,” smiles Bif Naked. “ I always have had a hippy mentality. My parents were missionaries and I was born in India. What I discovered is I feel I can contribute more working in cancer. The shows I do benefit those who are there but in health care you benefit everyone. It is more of a fulfilling experience. I like being around people who I feel I can contribute too, it is more integral.”
