On July 12, 2016, I was given the news that I had cancer. I-HAD-CANCER. I was informed that chemotherapy needed to begin "as quickly as possible" following my unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery and was later advised that I was HER2-Positive. This news brought me to my knees.

I learned that I quickly upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade III (cancer cells that grow and spread aggressively). Oncology needed to eradicate the cancer cells that my body was apparently full of. I knew that this was a grave situation until it was explained to me that there is a treatment for this type of diagnosis now!

One in eight women are expected to develop Breast Cancer in her lifetime and one in 33 will die from it. I am in the 'one in eight' statistic and I can't express enough how vital it is to help support this cause. I am blessed to be ONE who is a Survivor.

This is what drives me to fundraise so passionately. This is what Fundraising moves towards, for the one in eight and especially the one in 33. People diagnosed with Breast Cancer are living longer, healthier lives now than they ever have before. That's because of YOU and your support.

As soon as I was well enough after cancer treatments, I started running and now and I embrace this exercise for health and wellness. Also, as a dragon boater, on the all Breast Cancer Survivor team, Chemo Savvy, I stay in shape with this sisterhood for most of the year! Dry-land training begins in February and boats come off the water in October, after Run for the Cure. Watch for our boats on the water along the Run for the Cure Run Routes!! (You will see lots of PINK on the water!) This exercise (any exercise) actually helps cancer survivors stay fit, which contributes to prevention of the risk of secondary cancers.

The CIBC Run for the Cure is approaching fast and this event happens each fall in 57 locations across Canada! Without this research, drug trials and compassionate support services, I may not be here to share MY story today,  be on the Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat Team, or have become a runner.

Will YOU help support this most important cause? Will YOU help to create a world where no Canadian fears cancer! Cancer does not stop for a pandemic or anything else for that matter, so let's all do our part. Please help.

                                         
Warm personal regards,                                  
Shonna Newans                                            
Breast Cancer Survivor                                      
Team Captain for Shonna's Shakers!