In the summer of 2023, at 29 years old, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. In an instant, my life and future plans were upended. Instead of embarking on my career as a nurse practitioner and planning a family, my days became consumed by tests, appointments, and the heavy weight of worry and uncertainty.

After six months of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and managing the mental and physical side effects of these treatments, this year has undoubtedly been the hardest of my life. I’ve faced some of my darkest days, feeling betrayed by my body, grappling with the harshness of life, experiencing deep vulnerability, and mourning the life I had before cancer. On these days, it was especially hard to find any positives amidst the overwhelming darkness and emotional strain.

Though the notion of finding beauty in cancer feels distant to me right now, I’ve experienced numerous days filled with joy and gratitude. Throughout this journey, I’ve seen moments of personal growth and strengthened relationships, and I’ve discovered strength and courage within myself that I didn’t know I had. Nearly a year after my diagnosis, I am deeply thankful to be cancer-free, and I hope that, in time, I will be able to inspire others with my experience. 

For now, my goal is to raise awareness and support researchers in their work to find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, and to improve the quality of life for patients and survivors—especially those with metastatic breast cancer.

An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada.

To show my support for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer, I am participating and fundraising for this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

With your help, I can reach my fundraising goal and make a life-changing difference for so many people. Every dollar I raise will fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and support programs and services for those impacted by this disease.

Please donate today. I believe better treatment options and survival outcomes are possible. Together, we can give Canadians impacted by breast cancer a reason to have hope. And we can help change the future for all.

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support.

P.S. Did you know? Fundraising $300 can fund help provide healthy home-cooked meals for guests at a Canadian Cancer Society lodge during their stay. Lodge guests receive wholesome foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and meals customized to their dietary needs including those arising from cancer treatment, like liquid and soft food diets.