I’m participating in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1st because breast cancer is a cause that is very important to me.

It is hard to believe that 10 years has passed since I was diagnosed. I am extremely blessed to say I have completed all my recommended treatment and feel stronger then ever. This year I will be walking 5km. It is because of amazing family and friends that remained eternally optimistic that I am able to say I was able to conquer cancer.

In June 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The night of being diagnosed there were many tears, but the next morning I picked myself up, put on a smile and said I am going to beat this ugly disease. As a healthly 38 year old with no family history it was a surprise to get the dreaded disease. My first instinct was "Why me", but then my next reaction was why me and not someone else, why are you special to avoid Cancer. There was no room for negativity. I had to stay focused on the positive the cancer was contained and had not spread. I immediately started a gratitude journal and realized how blessed I was with amazing family and friends that I would rely on to get me through this difficult time.

The hardest part for me was telling my then 6 year old daughter Emma that mommy has cancer. That was a very difficult discussion to have, one you never want to have with your child. Fighting back tears with confidence and a positive attitude I said mommy has great doctors that are going to take good care of me and make me better. The journey has not always been easy, special thanks for all your positive thoughts, prayers, phone calls, emails, texts and cards, they have meant more than you can imagine.

You can make a difference too! With your support, the Society will continue funding breast cancer research, education, awareness, advocacy and health promotion initiatives across the country, aimed to significantly reduce the burden of breast cancer in Canada. To learn more about the work the Societyis funding, visit www.cancer.ca 

Every donation counts. Your continued dedication moves the Canadian Cancer Society closer to achieving its vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

Please donate and support my fundraising efforts!

Thank you!

Diane Skrtic

survivor