I am running this year as part of a team--this group of incredible Winnipeg women and moms whose kids are all around the same age.  One of us--our dear friend Michelle was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive breast cancer in Fall 2023 and underwent surgery shortly after. Throughout 2024, she has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy radiation and more surgery. 

In August 2024, Michelle's team of doctors identified a different course of therapy to treat her triple-negative breast cancer. In September, Michelle began a new course of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We rally around Michelle now to bolster her with strength, love and prayers.

Michelle is our warrior friend, facing each turn in the road with positivity and determination. She is supported endlessly by her loving family, husband and daughters, who, with their friends, have raised almost $18,000 for CancerCare Manitoba. 

I remember meeting Michelle at a mom and baby group—we each had to share something new/interesting about ourselves, and I’d shared that I was going on a first date that weekend as a single mom bringing both my toddler and baby on the date.  The following class, Michelle asked me how the date went; he was not a keeper, but I quickly realized Michelle was!  I could tell she genuinely cared, had a heart of gold and this authentic down-to-earth personality, and we became fast friends.

Our team is made up of friends of Michelle, who came together when our first children were born 11 years ago to form our "mommy group" and we have remained close since then, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. 

Our Mommy group is participating and fundraising for this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, because we believe better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible. And we want to support all Canadians impacted by breast cancer, including our family and friends. 

I also run for my best friend, Dr. Tina Wasicuna (Wikankpe To Win - Blue Star Woman), an inspiring Indigenous physician who died in 2011 from complications of chemotherapy for breast cancer and whose tribute I recently wrote which was published in the CMAJ:

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/196/12/E419

I was part of the St. James breastfeeding mom and baby group called “Boob Group,” and we ran for the cure in 2011 only months after she had died.  I dedicate the current work (and art) I am doing with writing, hypnotherapy, advocacy for women, particularly racialized women, addressing intergenerational trauma, and bringing healing back into Health Care/Medicine to Tina’s memory.  She was ever cho.  This site won't let me add more than 1 photo, and will mess up the team's name/photo apparently, so you can learn a snapshot of who Tina was here:

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26973671/dr-ernestine-tina-dawn-wasicuna/

You can find out more about AND join the programs MedResRx is doing for Healing and Wellness!  Check out www.drdenisekoh.com or message me for more info!  Until Sunday, Oct 6, 2024 MedResRx will be donating half of any proceeds to this Team.

Together, we can create a future without breast cancer. 

Thank you! We appreciate your generous support. Love and healing vibes to you all!