In Canada, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime. Sadly - 20-30% of these women and men will be later diagnosed with Metatstatic Breast Cancer. This is stage 4 Breast cancer, and is when the cancer has spread to a distant area of the body. This is the only stage of Breast Cancer that patients die from.

In Febuary of 2020 I recieved the horrible news that my very early stage breast cancer had spread to my spine, 4 years after my initial diagnosis. Since then I have been advocating for better awareness of MBC and assisting the Canadian Cancer Society in the research grant process, and other very important initiatives that they are constantly undertaking to improve the lives of Breast Cancer, and all Cancer patients, in Canada and beyond.

All money raised will be directed to the Metastatic Futures Fund - and since these Metatstatic Teams were first formed in 2016, more than 1.25 million dollars has been raised for stage 4 patients. Prevention is not always possible, and this helps to ensure that women and men, can live longer, and with better quality of life. Stage 4 disease has historically not been given much funding for research, some estimates are as low as 3-5% of all research funding, so every dollar raised is incredibly important.

In December of 2023, my cancer spread beyond my bones to my lymphatic system and it was found that my cancer had mutated and become more aggressive. Lucky for me, 25 years ago a new drug that specifically targets my new sub-type of cancer called Herceptin was discovered and approved for use in Canada. Without this discovery, prognosis of HER2+ve breast cancer is very poor. 

So every 3 weeks I go and have a couple drugs given through a permanent port that I have in my chest. Every 3 months I have CT and Bone scans, Echocardiograms to make sure my heart is not being affected by my new treatments, and something to help my bones stay strong due to the cancer weakening them. But inbetween I live life as fully, and with as much joy as I can muster, with my amazing husband and kids - who I love fiercely.

Please donate today. I believe better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible. 

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support.