Good morning everyone!

Thank you all for being here to support your family, friends or colleagues in the 2019 CIBC Run for theCure.

We all have a common goal…to raise awareness & funds so that we may find a cure for BreastCancer. 

So that someone you know or love doesn’t have to go through what we have.

I would love to begin by thanking Donna-Lynn, for giving me the privilege of sharing my journey with you all.

I was never afraid to call it that, as it still isn’t over. It never will be…but that's ok.
For those who are unfamiliar, she is the run coordinator in Manitoba for the Canadian Cancer Society.

I felt so honoured at this event last year when she approached me with the idea.
And she said “unless that’s not your thing…” which I quickly responded with “it’s totally my thing.”

I would also love to thank my husband Jeff (who I call J), daughter Meg, son TJ, mom Olivia, sisterChristine, brother-in-law Lou, niece Liv, nephew Adam, chiropractor (whose like a lil sister to me) Crystal,cousin Kuya Ryan & Joycee, girlfriends Nicole & Alexis, Danielle with her husband Arthur & daughter
Andriana who have all been by my side at the starting line for the past 2 yrs.

This is my 3rd year participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

It was an overwhelming feeling walking onto these grounds my 1styear…

I cried as I approached the ball park.Why exactly? I don’t know.
I stayed with my 30 participants on my team at our usual meeting spot…didn’t take in all the happenings before the start. They were here for me & we walked together.

Last year, I decided ahead of time to run it, just to prove to myself hat I could do it. I’m not a runner by any means but I did it! What an overwhelming feeling to cross the "finish line” & cried in Crystal’s arms.

Where do I begin??? I’ve struggled with drafting my speech & what to say…so here it goes…I will do my best to make it through…no promises tho.

My journey began fall of 2016 without me knowing it. I was 38.
I discovered a lump that I passed off to be coinciding with my cycle…but it didn’t feel the same.
The following month there was an associated pain. I knew then I could not ignore it. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Grandpa, her father, bone cancer the Philippines but who knows back them if it originated elsewhere.

For me, it wasn’t the fear of the impending cancer diagnosis...it was the lost feeling of what do I/we tell ourkids??? The fear of them thinking I could die was heartbreaking.

After going through all the motions, I received the diagnosis right before their Christmas break.
We had a family trip planned over the New Year & J was going through a promotion process at work. I didn’t want to ruin the kids’ vacation.
He said we didn’t need to tell them right away. We waited until a couple weeks prior to surgery. I had a lumpectomy at the beginning of February 2017

Before formal treatment, I met with a close family friend who gave me a hint of reality. She herself, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at a young age.
She said, “you’ll be surprised with who shows up for you & who doesn’t.” Was shocking to hear but this couldn't be more true. Those who I thought would be there weren’t, like family. I never held this against anyone as some just don’t know what to do or say.

Some people I barely knew, reached out. If you have people who offer their help, let them. I wish I had accepted. I realize now, it was their way of helping. 

But the ones who truly mattered was J who was my absolute rock, Meg & Ty. They loved & supported me from the beginning of the journey & throughout treatment.

Chemo was never in my treatment plan.Only surgery, radiation & hormone therapy.I was ER/PR positive & would’ve been stage 1 only if it wasn’t for lymph node involvement. I love & appreciate how my oncologist spun it to me.

She said “if you are the type of person who will self doubt, then we can do chemo.” 

At least I knew I did everything I could at the time. We can’t control the future so no sense in worrying about it right? J took me to my 4 chemo treatments & Meg for a couple as she didn’t have school. I had 30 radiation which J took me & if he couldn’t then my mom did. If they couldn’t then pa (my father in law who I affectionately call) had.

Fear of recurrence never haunted me. It was only recently when it happened to one of my close girlfriends, did it really hit me. Made me question how I was physically feeling. Over analyzing but we can’t live like that. Some things that resonated & stuck with me.

From the beginning, J always reminded me “day by day.”Sarah, my Survivor Sister & Lori Santoro had said “be kind to yourself.”

Please remember these…This journey has changed me…after my diagnosis I knew I wanted to be able to educate & help people.

Just didn't know what that would look like at the time. I have met some amazing people in CancerCare & from my 2 Breast Cancer support groups I was involved I n (we called ourselves “Pink Sisters” from the Young women’s group & “Bella’s” from the other women’s group). It’s amazing how bonded you become after a short period of time.

I eventually decided to become a peer supporter through the Breast & Gyne Centre of Hope. Not to discount any of my family or friends support but I found I felt so much better when I talked with one of my many Sisters. 

And lastly, I joined the Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat racing team, comprised of all breast cancer survivors. They are truly an inspiration & a testament to what health, wellness & physical activity can do for a person…a breast cancer survivor. An amazing Sisterhood like no other! They helped me get back on trackwith my physical activity.

Of all the cancers, I am fortunate to have had breast cancer.
And I only say that because it is treatable if caught early enough. 

Let's find a cure! 

All of your donations & fundraising efforts help get us closer to this goal. 

I don't wish this on anyone or their loved ones. 

Please continue to support the CIBC Run for the Cure! Every dollar makes a difference! 

Thank you all for your continued efforts!

Signing off, “ABBY’S ANGELS” captain