As a 7 year survivor of breast cancer, and 2.5 year survivor of Uterine cancer, and now 3 month survivor of breast cancer again, I went through a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction in May.  I can not express how much this fundraiser means to me!

In late spring 2017 I had a tender spot in my breast.  Early summer I found a teeny little bump.  Smaller than the size of a pea.  We were about to embark on a 3 week trip to Europe.  I spoke to my doctor and made all the appropriate appointments for when we returned.  I knew what the diagnosis was going to be.  I wanted to spend the next 3 weeks enjoying every minute of our adventure!  We went on the trip with 43 people.  No one knew except my husband.  We hiked the highlands, we laughed with lifelong friends.  We watched our daughter bring home 18 medals from different Highland competitions.  We truly enjoyed every second of the trip.

When we got home, the battle began.  On August 25, 2017 those words were spoken.  "You have cancer."  Triple negative, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  Stage 2, Grade 3.  A brutal battle plan was laid out in detail for me.  I pulled on my big girl pants and fought for my life!  It was the longest, hardest, year of my life.  In the span of the "tender spot" in June to surgical removal in October, my pea size tumour grew to 3.5 cm and a second tumour of 0.5 cm developed! Thanks to science, Fundraising, and dedicated medical professionals, I am so proud to open my eyes every single day!

The cautionary point of my path is this.  I carried my cell phone in my bra for 6-7 years.  My tumour(s) were in the exact spot my cell phone sat.  On the record, doctors could not confirm my theory.  Off the record every single one of my teams voiced opinions that supported it. So take that information away and do what you will with it.  But I beg you to not put your cell phone in your bra. Please!

This year will be the 8th time I have participated in it.  I have done the walk twice when it was 60kms.  Back then, little did I know that in my future I would be here as a survivor!  Thank you to all that can donate.  Every little bit counts.  Together we will find a cure.

Thank you for being part of my journey and supporting my fundraising efforts.  This disease affects every single person in one way or another.

All my love,

Dawn.

Every day, 75 Canadians will hear the words “you have breast cancer.” While these Canadians are living longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer diagnosis, there is still so much work to be done.

By participating in this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, I am helping change the future of breast cancer. I am running in honour of the incredible people in my life, and I need your support!

Please contribute what you can to help me achieve my fundraising goal. Every dollar makes a difference. Your donation will fund the best breast cancer research in Canada and a vitally important support system that helps people with breast cancer and their families nationwide.

Did you know that just $100 could fund two hours of life-saving research in a world class laboratory? Your contribution could lead to the next breakthrough!

Together, we can show Canadians facing breast cancer that we will never stop running.

Thanks in advance for your support!