2024: With the great support and encouragement from the love of my life, my husband, Bob, we just celebrated our 50th Anniversary! I’m doing what I enjoy: camping, geocaching, quilting and visiting with friends. Life is normal again! I’m participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure program to raise awareness of breast cancer. Join “Team Ward” on October 6 for the Run for the Cure (slow walk) to hear inspirational stories and take a 1 km walk of support. We meet at 8 AM at Bower Ponds and the run is usually finished by 11:30.

2023: We learned so much on the road to recovery. Not all breast cancer is the same! Based on years of research, and health trials, the treatment for each person is very individualized. Not everyone goes through chemo! I was one of the fortunate ones who didn't need chemo. With surgery, medications and radiation, my cancer has been removed, the potential for re-growth has been stopped with radiation and my long term prognosis is excellent because of the medication that I take daily. It was such a relief at my 6 month mammogram to hear "all clear". I feel great, I've moved on, and appreciate every part of my life even more.

2022: My diagnosis wasn't a surprise when I look back at my risk factors, heredity & health, but it still came as a shock. Thanks to the rapid treatment and excellent help from AHS, Red Deer and the Central Alberta Cancer Centre, I am well on my way to recovery.

With your help, I can reach my fundraising goal and make a life-changing difference for so many people. Every dollar I raise will fund ground breaking breast cancer research and support programs and services for those impacted by this disease. Money raised in Red Deer stays in Red Deer.

Please donate today. I believe better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible. Together, we can give Canadians impacted by breast cancer a reason to have hope. And we can help change the future for all.

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support. Colleen

P.S. Did you know? A $75 donation can fund a clinical trial for someone with breast cancer to test new treatments to save lives and give hope to countless others. An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada.