This year marks 14 years since I first entered the Run for the Cure and the 13 year anniversary of losing my mom to breast cancer. I was fortunate enough to first participate in the run in 2010 with mom by my side, although she has not been able to participate with us physically since, I still feel her presence with me on run day every single year.

She passed away just 5 days before the run in 2011. I still remember her constantly bringing up the run while in the hospital - she was determined to enter a team that year and mentioned several times that if they wouldn't let her leave the hospital for the day then we were going to have to sneak her out! We made sure to fulfill her wish and entered the "Double D's" in her honour and every year since I have been comitted to carrying out her legacy. This has been one of the ways I have been sure to celebrate her life year after year.

For me, the Run for the Cure is about much more than just fundraising and a 5km walk/run. It is carrying out my mom's legacy, supporting all of those who are fighting, admiring those who have beat cancer and honouring those who were taken too soon. I continue to run year after year for every single person who has been or will be diagnosed with cancer and for their support systems who stand by feeling helpless at times. For the hope that someday we will no longer have to fear this disease and pink will just be a color.

I hope you will consider helping me to carry out my mom's legacy and support Canadians living with breast cancer by donating or joining our team!

Every dollar makes a difference - not only do the funds raised go towards research for prevention, detection and treatment but they also fund Canada's leading support network, helping to improve the quality of life and providing emotional support to those affected by breast cancer!

Together we can make a difference!