While much has changed the last two years, one thing hasn’t - people we love continue to be diagnosed with life-threatening cancers every single day.

More money is required to support much needed cancer research and treatment options. Brain Canada continues to match all dollars raised through the WPS half-marathon.

"My legacy will be funding research that allows others to live extraordinary lives"

Joanne Schiewe was a runner, a triathlete and just plain awesome.

She loved to push herself, to see what was possible and usually had a huge smile on her face as she did. That smile was infectious.

Joanne was diagnosed with glioblastoma on February 3rd, 2015, an incredibly aggressive form of brain cancer; the same diagnosis Gord Downie would receive almost a year after.  Fewer than 5% of glioblastoma patients survive five years – one of the lowest survival rates for any cancer.  In the year following that diagnosis, Jo’s treatment would include invasive surgeries, a lifetime dose of radiation and countless rounds of chemotherapy.

But she also ran the Winnipeg Police Half Marathon that year, set PB's at local triathlons and just kept being amazing.

Her connection with the WPS event that year was a turning point.  At the same time as Jo's friends and community stepped up to support her and helped her to prepare for the race, Jo found another way to fight cancer.  Even if there wasn't much she could do to change her odds, she found ways to improve the odds for others.

Joanne passed away in the summer of 2016, just over 18 months after her diagnosis.  Since then, her family and friends have participated in the WPS event in her honour and continued raising funds in her name.

Jo's story, in her own words can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/184606292

To date, over $175,000 has been raised in Jo’s name.  Please give what you can.

Thank you.