Hi Everyone, 

The Knocker Walkers are back! We will be showing our support for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer by participating and fundraising for this year's CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. 

It is so hard to believe a year has passed. One year ago I was finishing my 5th chemo treatment and starting my second regimen of chemo drugs, waiting to see which side effects I would experience and hoping and praying they would be manageable because we were moving my son into his first year of residence and I was not going to miss! 

As many of you know, I was diagnosed in February 2023 with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma after finding an unsual lump in January. My treatment involved surgery in April, an unexpected 8 rounds of chemotherapy from July to October after the tumor was found to be much larger than imaging had predicated. I celebrated my 50th birthday after my last round of chemo and then began 15 rounds of radiation. On my last day of chemo, October 16th, surrounded by my family, I rang that bell louder and longer than expected, I am pretty sure they heard it throughout the hospital. I had been in battle mode since the day I found that lump and in that moment, ringing the bell unleashed a mix of emotions that had been part of the journey....the fear, anxiety, uncertainty, doubt, sadness, pain, loss, tiredness, anger and overwhelm, but also the strength, determination, pride, joy, relief to be done chemo, and so much love and gratitude for my family and friends who mean the world to me, for my body and mind that kept me going, and for the life that I am living. I have one more surgery in September and am currently taking medication that I will continue to take for the next 10 years to reduce my risk of recurrence. This next chapter comes with its own host of challenges but I am so relieved to be on the other side. 

I am grateful to my healthcare team for my care and for the the advancements that have been made in breast cancer treatment allowing me to get to this point, but there is more work to be done. Too many of us know family and friends who have been diagnosed with breast and other cancers, and have lost too many to this disease. I believe that better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible, and I, along with the estimated 27, 700 women and 260 men diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada are counting on it! 

Please consider supporting this cause by joining our team and walking with us on October 6th, or by making a donation. Every little bit helps. Each dollar raised will fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and support programs and services. We are stronger together and I have HOPE that we can change the fate and future of breast cancer and one day find a cure.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, your support and generosity is greatly appreciated. 

 Julie xo