I will never forget the day I found out my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I was just starting my dream job in a busy ER and she had texted me to tell me the doctor wanted to talk to her about the results. To anyone working in healthcare, we know what this means. And since we're both nurses, we knew what this meant. A few days later, I was waiting in my car to get my 2nd COVID vaccine on Feburary 11th 2021 when she called me to deliver the official news. Stage 3B breast cancer. My mom and I are both the type of people who see the challenge for what it is and think, "okay, what does this mean exactly and what's next". We may have both driven ourselves (and the rest of the family) crazy with research and information, but we were at least as prepared as we could be. Following this came 8 months of surgery, chemo, and radiation. Thoughout it all, my mother remained in good spirits and a pillar of strength for our family. Despite the loses she experienced, she found solace in the small things. Learning to love her new body, her new mentalitly, and her new life; she remains to be a reminder that cancer can suck it. 

Although our story is a positive one, working in the ER has opened my eyes to the fact that not everyone is as fortunate as us. The pain and suffering some family experience is something I share with them on a weekly basis. Doing this run as a family makes me so grateful, and my only hope is more people get to experience life after cancer like we have. 

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

To show my support for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer, I am participating and fundraising for this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

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 groundbreaking breast cancer research and support programs and services for those impacted by this disease.

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.

P.S. Did you know? Fundraising $300 can fund help provide healthy home-cooked meals for guests at a Canadian Cancer Society lodge during their stay. Lodge guests receive wholesome foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and meals customized to their dietary needs including those arising from cancer treatment, like liquid and soft food diets.