Let me tell you my story...

I am lucky to be alive. Because when I was sick, I was able to get help. On June 7, 2020, on my husband's birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At first, I was in denial. The next phase was anger, ... "Why me" ... and then I asked, "What is next?"

I am a nurse; I work in the intensive care unit at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. I could have not done this without my family, friends, and neighbors. My colleagues especially were wonderful. They sent meals to our home every day and came in to check in on me. Recovery was one tough journey. 

By January 1st, I was back at work full-time.

One morning, about 2 months ago, I woke up with a feeling of pure thankfulness for my family, my job and my health. I announced to my colleagues at work that I wanted to do the CIBC Run for the Cure. Four years later, I felt it was my turn to help somebody else. There was a certain memory... A couple of weeks after my surgery, a voulnteer from the cancer support group knew of me. It was a late evening during a brutal storm when a young girl came to my home with a package of dressing supplies. It touched me greatly. I will always remember her face. 

When I told my family about my decision, they were so excited and supportive. My youngest son started training for a 5k. At work, people said they wanted to join my team. We needed a name. My full name is "Nevena". However, my colleagues call me "Nev". So, one of them came up with the brilliant idea to call the team "NEVer Surrender". The original goal was to raise to $1,000. I thought this was impossible.

The first donation came from one of my friends and colleague. In three days, we already reach $1,000. To date, we have raised $6,000. I have no organizational skills. I have never done this before. There are many times, I feel afraid that I cannot do this. But I am. There are 20 on my team and each of us have goals. But as captain of the team, it is for me to set the pace.

I keep thinking I should be doing more. We should all be doing more. Because if we have the opportunity, if we feel we have been blessed, we must pass on the blessings we have received, so others can do the same. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Nevena Ratcheva

The NEVer Surrender Team