Introducing Our Retail Partner, Lumberjacq

How did you become connected to the LLSC?

Thank goodness for social media!
It seems as if any ‘need’ we have in this day and age can be searched for and found online. I was on the hunt for an organization specific to my cancer– Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Beyond that, I was looking for an organization with a mission statement I could get behind. And when I read, “we won’t stop until there is a cure..”, I knew I was in the right place! As a cancer patient, I felt the need to do my part. And that’s when I reached out and suggested that I would love to donate the profits from any merchandise sale through my small business.

How did Lumberjacq come about?

How did Lumberjacq begin? To be honest, Lumberjacq began because of a cancer diagnosis and the need to not focus on that cancer diagnosis!

At the beginning of 2020 I was diagnosed with Stage 4b Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My treatment history is pretty extensive (including approximately five different chemo regimens, two bouts of radiation, and a stem cell transplant in the summer of 2021). Each treatment, however, has allowed new spots of cancer to emerge. The fight continues.

When feeling relatively well between treatments, I found myself longing for a purpose– a purpose beyond being a cancer patient. Lumberjacq and woodworking gave me that purpose. It gave me a creative outlet, an opportunity to exercise my brain, and a way to connect with people around the world despite being in my safe cancer bubble. When I think back, it was a small Facebook post about making my own reclaimed wood Christmas trees for my own decor that turned into a sought-after wood art business!

Ultimately, Lumberjacq gives me a sense of purpose and an ability to take a mental break from the reality of my current diagnosis. I truly feel like it's been a vital part in my survival thus far.

We love your business name! How did you settle on the name Lumberjacq?

Picking a name for my Reclaimed Wood Art business was a no-brainer! I’d like to say I came up with it, but I didn’t. My dad did! I think his intention was to make a bit of a ‘dad-joke’ at the time... but as soon as he said it, we all knew it was a name that was going to stick. Many people call me “Jacq” rather than using my full name, Jacquie. Lumberjacq seemed like a perfect fit. Speaking of my dad, a retired contractor, and my go to for a lot of my woodworking questions; he’s a Lymphoma survivor! I guess I’m following in his footsteps in more ways than one.

What do you sell, and how does it benefit the LLSC?

Over the past few years, Lumberjacq has become a sought-after brand. Almost always, my reclaimed wood art sells out in a matter of minutes. The odd person has said, “if I can’t snag your art fast enough, can you at least make t-shirts for me to purchase!?”. Lumberjacq merchandise has always been in the long-range plans and I figured this was a way that Lumberjacq could give back to the cancer community. All profits from Lumberjacq merchandise will be going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Merchandise includes items such as T-shirts, toques, and even a traditional red-black buffalo plaid flannel shirt… a Lumberjacq favourite. Purchasers will not only be supporting my small business by wearing the Lumberjacq axes, but they can feel great about supporting a society that supports cancer patients like myself.

Do you have plans to expand your product line? If so, what would you like to sell eventually?

Expanding the product line is a must in the merchandise world! Our changing seasons in Canada keeps so many options open. I look forward to designing Lumberjacq sweatshirts for cooler seasons, and muscle tanks for spring and summer. The goal is for people to want to wear “the shirt with the axes” knowing that the logo represents a warrior and the proceeds are going to a great cause.

What would you like to tell others going through treatment about the LLSC?

Oftentimes, cancer patients have an overwhelming amount of support from family and friends. I’ve had an entire community show their support for myself and my family. There has been no shortage of help, childcare, food, gas gift cards, positive messages and phone calls. We do not have needs that aren’t being met. However, it’s also important for a cancer patient to have an opportunity to feel connected with other cancer patients and cancer specialists– people that truly understand what you are going through; people that get it. LLSC offers that. Whether it be an opportunity to chat in support groups, reading other patient testimonials, or skimming through relevant research and resources. LLSC offers support in a way that my friends and family cannot. That’s a must-have. To anyone that is undergoing treatment for a blood cancer, I would strongly recommend taking advantage of all that is available through LLSC.