The Run for the Cure is personal.

I participated in 17 “Run for the Cures” before my life was forever changed.  Each and every one of those 17 runs brought goosebumps at the finish line.  Each and every one of those 17 runs inspired me to keep running - to support those in the fight, to celebrate the survivors and to remember those taken by this insidious disease.

Little did I know then, I was also running for my own future, for my own life.

Little did I know then, I would later be included in the official breast cancer statistics; I would become part of the "1 in 8 women" to be diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Of course you don't think it can happen to you...until it does.

And then came the day..."YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER." The shock of hearing those words will never leave my memory. I was forever changed in that moment.

Unfortunately, moments like these continue to happen every day for far too many women.

Treatment options and survival rates have improved significantly because of fundraising dollars committed to research.  

I know this personally; my treatments and current participation in a clinical trial at The Ottawa Hospital are a testament to the strides that have been made in the fight against breast cancer.  However, there is still much to be done.

We cannot stop now. We need to keep going. NO MATTER WHAT. 

And so, I will be at the start line again on October 6th, running with hope, raising awareness and funds, for a brighter future for all of us.

Thank you so much for taking a moment.  Thank you for making a difference. 

With heartfelt gratitude, 

 Cheryl

 #NEVERGIVEUP

 #STRONGERTOGETHER

 #ATTITUDEOFGRATITUDE