It will be my fifth year participating in the CIBC Run for Cure, I've done 4 in Calgary and this year will be my first in Kelowna. 

I started running the CIBC Run for the Cure the year after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 to show my support. I did it with a friend, my sister, and my mom. The day we went on the walk/run, my mom was feeling uncomfortable wearing her head scarf, and desperately wanted to take it off. My mom never felt comfortable enough taking her head scarf off in public while her hair was growing back after chemo, but that day she felt comfortable enough to take it off as she was surrounded by hundreds of other women experiencing the same thing. I was so incredibly proud of her. I am grateful that we all did the run together that year and that we got to share that special moment with my mom.

My mom was lucky in the sense that her cancer was caught quite early, and she has now been in remission for 10+ years. My mom kicks ass and if you saw her today, you'd see she's happy and healthy (and all of her hair grew back despite her feeling like it never would!).

I continue to try and run the CIBC Run when I can, as an ongoing showing of support not only for my mom, but for all women affected by it (and any men effected too, though it is rare).

If you are able to donate - it is greatly appreciated! 

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support.