CIBC Run for the Cure 2016

For many years I have heard of the run for the cure that is held every year for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In the past years I have donated to help support friends and their families but I have never joined in the walk. 

In December I was diagnosed with breast cancer, something we never fathom having to go through. A little hypocritical maybe but I decided that this year I would walk for a cure. It is so true that you never truly know what it's like until you walk in someone's shoes or see a close friend or family member suffer through it. I can say that the shoes I have been walking in since December 2015 have been hell. I now can truly say that I understand how it feels to have no breasts, the horrible side effects of chemo and the painful burning and blistering of radiation, the fear of recurrence.  It makes you truly wake up and say to yourself that something needs to be done. 

Millions of dollars are raised each year and we often wonder why don't we have a cure. Well only 10-15 years ago there were many more women dying from breast cancer, the awareness was less and the fact of speaking openly of mammograms and breasts was much more taboo. Today 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. I am hoping that one day those numbers will disappear. Today we speak openly and freely of any concerns we may have, we are more open to mammograms and talking to our doctors, we do self breast exams without feeling awkward about touching and feeling our breasts. My self breast exam saved my life.

On October 2, 2016, myself along with 15 of my friends and family alongside my rock, walked 5km to help continue research into this dreadful disease. This was my first walk and it was an amazing experience. I was randomly chosen to go on stage an represent being a breast cancer survivor, it was bitter sweet.  While I was standing there along with 5 other breast cancer survivors, I thought about how many woman had lost their battle and how many other women will have to go through this battle. I was honored that through today's technology, treatment and resources I was able to beat Breast cancer. 

I would like to thank my team and say that I was humbled by all of your hard efforts into making this 1st event something that I will cherish for all my life with amazing memories.  Our initial team goal was $1500, with all of the support of friends and family and personal donations we raised a total of $5772.00.....to next year.

Thank you 

Breasts 4 Life