As many of you know I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 20 years old. She was only 56. And while it was one of the hardest and saddest things I've ever had to go through, it was also one of the most impactful times in my life in many other ways. When my mom was diagnosed the doctors told her she had less than a year to live, she fought everyday for almost 4 full years. I saw a lot, and I learned a lot in the 4 years she battled this disease. In and out of hospitals and doctors offices. Watching her try every drug and experimental treatment that was available at the time just to get a few more months of life with us. Sitting with her for hours in chemo sessions so she wouldn't feel alone. Watching the doctors and nurses put their whole selves into helping people without an expectation of anything in return. Seeing people not return because they lost their fight. I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. I saw it all. I felt it all. I lived it all. I learned that cancer isn't always a death sentence. And that everyday they are coming up with new treatments to help prolong lives and give people a chance to actually have fulfilling lives while still going through treatment. I learned that the "experimental " drugs that my mom decided to give a chance actually gave her 3 more full, beautiful years of life to live. And that every minute we are getting closer to a cure. What I learned the most is that it more than matters to me to continue to fight for all women and their families, and to continue to support breast cancer ( and all cancer ) research in any way I can until my end of days. 

Fast forward a few years, my family doctor mentions to me that they have a genetic test that can determine if I am a carrier of gene that puts me at an extremely high risk of breast cancer in my lifetime. I didn't want to live in fear.  I decide to wait until I've had children and have a chance to breastfeed my children before I take the test. I have two beautiful perfect little boys . Knowing I could be a carrier is always in the back of my mind. Fast forward another 13 years. I take the test and I am BRCA positive . I'm still in shock even though I had so long to think about it. I know what my next decision is without thinking twice. On November 26, 2021 I underwent a preventative double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and it was the best decision I've made in my life. It's been a journey, and it's not quite over. But I am so so proud of my life and my decisions, and I am so grateful for this chance to LIVE. And so now I will do what I can to support others through their journeys. I would love if you would join me to support as well.

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 2, 2022.  

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? A $75 donation can fund a clinical trial for someone with breast cancer to test new treatments to save lives and give hope to countless others.