This is my 20th year participating in the Run for the Cure, having run or walked in a variety of venues, including Australia.  In late spring of 2005, just after my 50th birthday I noticed a lump on my breast and thought this can’t be possible but sure enough after all the tests were completed, it was confirmed that I had  Stage 2 breast cancer.   I was very fortunate to have family, friends and colleagues and knowledgeable health professionals that supported me all along the way.  Working with a diverse workforce,  I remember thinking how lucky I was that I had so many people praying for me, and these prayers to the Gods of many religions were one of the reasons I made a full recovery!  It is through the funds raised in walks such as this one, that advances have been made to give doctors and patients more choices and control over treatment plans.  

To celebrate my 5th anniversary I got a motorcycle license and bought a pink Vespa with some of the proceeds going to cancer research.  To celebrate the 10th anniversary I ran a half marathon with my daughter, then she took me to get my first tattoo - a pink ribbon!  I’m still working on the plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary and my 70th birthday next year.

Two years ago I was welcomed to team Purple Butterfly Bra-gade, after our good friend was also diagnosed and I'm  very honoured to again be a part of this group of strong women.  The statistics are staggering with 1 in 8 women getting breast cancer in their lifetime, but the young age of some of these women is alarming.  As a driver for Wheels of Hope, driving cancer patients to their appointments, I see first hand how cancer affects so many people of all ages and all walks of life.  Any contribution you make in support of the run will go a long way in adding to future cancer research and breakthroughs.

Thank you! I appreciate your generous support.Gianna