Colleen Zimmerman; a mother, a sister, a best friend, a daughter, one of earth's most beloved creatures.

My mother is my most admired person. She taught me more then I can even comprehend. Her heart of gold was something she most definetely was born with and she showed me what it is to be selfless and kind. My mama had this gentle spirit that made so many people love her - she was just easy to talk to. Never applying judgement, always understanding and accepting. Her magical adventures that took her around the world with my father, brought both my brother and I to a realization that we too needed to see what was out there. The commitment to raising her two kids; mostly on her own, as my parents split up at a young age, was the most courageous thing I will ever know. As I get older and I can see around me how hard it is to be a mother, but to do it as effortlessly as she did... She made sure we were happy, safe, healthy, loved, literally everything you could need as a child. My mother supported us in whatever we chose to do growing up and always teaching us, and then proving it to be true, that hard work does pay off. She worked harder then anyone I've come to know, making sure we chased our dreams while she also chased her own. Her passions are instilled in me today. As I go through life, I find myself falling in love with the same things she did. My mother was my best friend. I confided in her with everything that happened to me. She was my person. My brother, mom and I became the "3 musketeers". We ate dinner together every single night of the week for as long as I can remember, sharing stories and filling our home with our laughter and sillyness. 

My mom lived an extremely healthy lifestyle, yet in 2008 doctors found a cancerous tumor on her liver. After performing surgery, they were able to remove it. But shortly after, they reazlied the cancer had quickly spread to other area's of her body. We had a total of 7 months from the time she was first diagonosed, to spend with my mom before she passed away peacefully in our home, with my brother by her side and with me asleep downstairs. The bravery she possessed while battling this most horrible illness was incredible. Still making sure that her two children were comfortable and happy. She held on for as long as she could, and I know it's because she wanted to make sure we were going to be ok before she let go. 

Not having my beloved mother around every day since I was 15 has broken me. But if I know one thing, it's that I live for her. I go every day with her in my thoughts and quite often in my dreams as well. So much of her I see in my brother, so I can sleep easier knowing she lives on inside us. 

I want to thank everyone who ever supported us and was there for us during those dark days. I may not had been able to say much at the time, but I believe that it's never too late for a thank you. She touched so many people's lives and I know she was loved by so many. 

Through this page, I hope to raise funds; in honour of my mother, for the Canadian Cancer Society whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. With continued support for the Society, fewer people in the future will have to lose their loved ones before their time.

Every donation brings us one step closer to preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, improving treatments and helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.

Together, we can change cancer forever.