Robertson was diagnosed with lymphoma four years ago and though he received top-of-the-line treatment at Princess Margaret, he found that there were not always the additional supports he would have liked to have seen.
Robertson said support groups are offered, but added he was hard pressed to find programs that could look at cancer patients' holistic health and help them deal with the weakening effects of chemotherapy and other treatments.
"There wasn't the kind of intelligent programs that had to do with health, from what I could see," he said. "Things like exercise and change in diet are not necessarily things that oncologists are invested in, but I was very interested in what the hell I was going to do about (his health)."
Robertson joined the Extreme Survivors program at Extreme Fitness, which gives free gym memberships and special deals for people dealing with blood cancer. Though it was not always easy, he made a point of making visits to the gym a priority.
"The week between chemotherapy (treatments), theoretically people just lay down for a week," he said. "Chemo just knocks you out. You need to be as strong as possible, because it's your immune system you're dealing with."
The Extreme Survivors program gave Robertson a new lease on life. Though he was only given 18 months to live in his initial diagnosis, he was able to make it past that date with ease. Doctors then said he would likely not last three years, another target he has surpassed. He credits a positive attitude for his ability to improve his overall health and defy his doctors' negative expectations.
"Once you have lymphoma, it stays in your body, so you have to be sort of optimistic to start on a life plan," he said.
In the years since his diagnosis, Robertson has found a renewed dedication toward his longtime career as a film director and producer.
"I just woke up one day and realized I was past my 18-month limit," he said. "I figured 'Why just wait for something to happen?' Here was an international festival with a high profile, where people earned their spots on merit."
He became involved with last year's LuminaTO, and produced a new film specifically for the event. The film, titled Summer of Love, offers an in-depth look at Yorkville's past as a bohemian and artistic hotspot in the 1960s. Robertson showcased the work last summer at a special affair that included a bevy of live acts.
"I thought it was a great way to look back on an era and see who's still around from back then," he said. "Apart from that, it was a great way to celebrate life."
He is currently working on a new film celebrating Queen Street as the natural heir to Yorkville's throne as Toronto's artistic and creative capital. In the meantime, he is sure to take the time to keep up his overall health through participation in the Extreme Survivors program.
"When you get cancer, you just want to be surrounded by life," he said.
Visit www.extremefitness.info for more information about the Extreme Survivors program.