In 2021, at just 25 years old, Tyra Langille was living a healthy, active life in Edmonton — until a small sore on her tongue turned into something far more serious. After months of being misdiagnosed and watching her symptoms worsen, she was finally given the news: stage 3 oral squamous cell carcinoma. It was a diagnosis that stunned everyone. Tyra didn’t smoke or drink, was HPV-negative, and had no known risk factors. She was told she was part of the 25% of cases with no clear cause.

Her treatment began with a 14-hour surgery to remove the tumor and rebuild the left side of her tongue using tissue from her wrist. She also underwent a radical neck dissection, skin grafting, and spent two weeks in the hospital with a tracheostomy and feeding tube. What followed was an intense physical and emotional journey: relearning how to speak, swallow, eat, and smile — while managing chronic pain and ongoing challenges with speech.

But Tyra never let cancer define her. With fierce determination, she completed 30 rounds of radiation and began the long process of healing. “Some days, it’s still too much — physically, mentally, emotionally,” she says. “But I take it one step at a time. I try to focus on what I’ve gained, not just what I’ve lost.” Her care team at the University of Alberta and Cross Cancer Institute became a vital part of her support system — a group of people she credits with helping her survive and reclaim her life.

In October 2024, Tyra marked three years since her surgery — a milestone she calls her “rebirth.” Now in remission, Tyra has turned her pain into purpose. She’s become a passionate advocate for oral cancer awareness, especially among young adults. She shares her story openly, speaks at conferences, and leads young adult support efforts through local cancer organizations.

“Survivorship is a gift — even when it’s heavy,” she says. “I get to use the voice I fought so hard to keep. And that voice is meant to help others.”