An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada.

Last year my beautiful, courageous sister was one of them.  She battle the worst fight of her life and did so with strength, hope and bravery. 

Although my sister had tons of support from  friends and family, it was her alone that fought the hard fight.

I would like to share her story with you below.

The day I received my breast cancer diagnosis, my world seemed to come crashing down. Like anyone facing such news, I was overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty, and countless questions. I thought that after my first surgery, I had already beaten breast cancer but when my diagnosis changed, I had no idea the biggest fight of my life was still ahead of me. As I embarked on this challenging journey, I discovered strength within myself that I never knew existed. I learned the true power of faith. It wasn't easy, and there were moments when I felt like giving up. I am blessed to be surrounded by an army of loving family and friends that have provided immense support and inspired me to keep pushing forward. Cancer thought it was going to sneak in and take over my life....but here I am....after 16 months, approximately 140 appointments, 2 surgeries, 6 chemotherapy treatments and 17 Herceptin (targeted immunotherapy) infusions strong, healthy and alive.

Herceptin, a targeted therapy, which was only approved by the FDA in 2006 to treat early breast cancer saved my life. I owe my life to Dr. Dennis Slamon and his team for their research as the success of Herceptin has been nothing short of remarkable. A short 17 years ago, women diagnosed with my type of early stage cancer had a bleak prognosis and today, many women lead long, healthy and fulfilling lives. I am grateful for all the research that has been done so far to improve treatment for people with breast cancer. But we need more - many women die from breast cancer every year leaving families without mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters, friends. Join me in helping fundraise for more research so that these lives don't have to be cut short.

I’ve signed up to participate and fundraise for this year’s CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1, 2023. If you are able to, please join our team by clicking on "Join our team" or make a donation by clicking "support Me". I will be running for team Jojo in Calgary for those that wish in joining me.

Thank you in advance,

Dawna