An estimated 27,700 women and 260 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada.  1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will have the HER2 gene.  I have that gene!

What that meant for me... aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, Herceptin treatments, medication for 5-8 years, hair loss, bone pain, neuropathy to name a few.

I remember when I got the diagnosis, in the blink of an eye my world changed. It turned into a series of appointments.. blood work, tests, Dr's visits, treatments, injections.. repeat.. repeat..repeat!  I wish I would have kept my hospital bracelets, I'm sure I could cover a wall.

I have a hard time being told how brave and strong I am.  I felt like I put my nose down and just ran. When you don't have a choice, you do what you have to do.. It was all so very surreal, I was like an outsider looking in on someone's life that wasn't my own. I worked every day to stay busy and to just carry on as best as I could.

I do not have to dig deep to know how blessed I am.. I am blessed with such incredible support from family and friends.. it is endless. No matter what.. there is always something to be grateful for.

My story is a happy one. I have been told to go live my life cancer free, so I am choosing to live my life with happiness and love in my heart and to not take my today's and tomorrows granted.. 

Curing cancer is the goal!  I am doing this for the thousands of people that will get their diagnosis after me.. we are ALL affected by this terrible disease in one way or another, together we can do our part by donating and ensuring the means to the end.  This is where your donations truly count and are so very important.

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 6, 2024.

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.

Dee Dee

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.