The last thing someone should be thinking about at 22-years-old - or at any age for that matter - is whether or not you are going to survive to see another year.

However, when Airdrie resident Tyra McCarthy was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, that is exactly what happened.

"My biggest fear was, ''I'm gonna die and I don't want to,'" said McCarthy. "I'm twenty two, I've got my life ahead of me."

Hodgkin Lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease, is a type of lymphoma, in which cancer originates from white blood cells called lymphocytes.

When McCarthy was diagnosed in November of 2015, one of her biggest concerns was whether or not she would be able to ride her beloved horses ever again.

"I can't imagine not being able to ride ever, that's why it went through my head so much," she said. "Cause I ride every day of my life and if I'm having a bad day or anything like that, I go see them."

On one occasion, she even busted out of the hospital to go and hug her horse Gambler.

McCarthy's connection with Gambler runs deep, as they rode together during her two years with the Airdrie Pro Rodeo's Ranch Girls.

So when it came time to plan this year's rodeo, McCarthy was approached to share her story.

On opening night at the 2016 Airdrie Pro Rodeo, Tyra and Gambler shared an emotional ride around the arena while her story played for the Thursday night crowd.

McCarthy holds an overwhelmingly positive attitude, which she credits with getting her to the point she is today.

"Life throws you curves. As much as it sucks, its a part of our life and it throws us obstacles so that we can overcome bigger things."

Although the road is long to total recovery in life after chemotherapy, McCarthy knows that she can get through with the help of friends, family, and of course, her horses.