To show my support for Beck, one of my nearest and dearest, I am participating and fundraising for this year’s October 6th Run for the Cure.

When Beck initially explained that she had been rattled by the news of a dreaded diagnosis, I felt my heart drop to the floor. It seemed inconceivable that this girl-momming, beach-loving, model-esquing cousin of mine could have her life thrown into upheaval over a little lump. With Beck's fierce resolve, the good Lord at her side, and a wise medical team guiding her decisions, I was always confident that she would come through the battle stronger. But ... I felt completely gutted knowing what she had to endure to get to the other side - pokes and prods, chemo, surgery, and radiation. Now she is deep into treatments, which have taken their toll physically and emotionally, but she keeps on keepin' on!

Like many others, I offered to help and support her however I could, and that offer still stands. I can (and do) pray for her, but aside from that I'm pretty useless to this fight on a practical level. The reality is that the day-to-day burden is on Beck and there is not much I (or anyone else) can do to ease that. I'm ready to jump in when/if she needs me, but for the most part I'm just a benchwarmer.

So, I'm going to get this bod moving to make it absolutely, positively clear to Beck that I'm in her corner. This is a chance for me to stand (run) in solidarity with my girl, and you can join the cause. I'm proposing three ways for you to make a mark on this event. You could choose one, two, or all three from this list, and if none of them are feasible for you then please continue to encourage Beck in other ways!

1) Donate to the Canadian Cancer Society. Traditionally, this 5k event supports the Canadian Cancer Society in funding groundbreaking breast cancer research and support programs and services for those impacted by this disease. I'm grateful for the prompt and effective medical care Beck has received since the day her "I should get that looked at" flag went up, so I certainly consider this a worthy cause. If you would like to make a donation to the CCC, please do so through this page.

2) Give a monetary gift to Beck, Johnny, and their girls by e-transfer to becksbenchwarmers@gmail.com. Obviously, the physical and emotional strain of the treatment process is grueling, but there is a financial aspect to consider too. Lost wages, travel costs (to & from appointments), parking expenses, etc. all add up, creating the potential for added stress in an already junky situation. Maybe they could even enjoy a family getaway when this ruckus is part of the past. So, with Beck's permission, I will be collecting funds via e-transfer to becksbenchwarmers@gmail.com and then relaying them directly to the family on October 6th (the day of the run) or sooner. I give you my word that every cent will be tracked diligently and your name & gift amount will be forwarded to Beck (unless you wish to remain anonymous). It's kind of like a GoFundMe, except I'm the middlewoman who won't take any fees. If you would like to send a little note of encouragement along with the funds ... even better!

3) Join the team! Anyone who is backing Beck is welcome to join the Beck's Benchwarmers team! Family, friends, distant penpals, grocery clerks, and Hollywood stars ... the more the merrier! If you join the team and would like to offer your own supporters the option to support Beck directly then go ahead and share the e-transfer account: becksbenchwarmers@gmail.com