Every day, 75 Canadians will hear the words “you have breast cancer.” Unfortunately in 2020, on a beautiful day in June, at the age of 35, I became one of those 75.  Hearing those words have changed me forever.  Breast cancer has affected my life way too many times.  Over 25 years ago, my mom was diagnosed with this disease at the age of 32, with many brave, strong and beautiful family members to follow.  I spent the majority of my life leading into my 30s, stressed and worried that I, like my mother, would be diagnosed at 32.  32 came and went, along with a sense of relief.  Little did I know what lay in my path.

As heart wrenching as it is to say, my mom was one of the Warriors who lay down their lives at the hands of this disease.  I remind myself that:

Sometimes the bravest of warriors

Have to set their wants aside,

And lay themselves down at the gates of war;

So that those who follow,

Can conquer. (-Gloria Forte)

I speak, first hand, at the advances made in research, knowledge, detection and treatments in these 25 years.  It was the high risk screening program at The Princess Margaret Hospital that led to my early detection and intervention.  It is with every trip I take down there, that I am reminded of the advancements since my mom's diagnosis.  If it weren't for all the generous supporters, people like myself would not receive this type of prevention or treatment. 

As I now regain my life back, I can reflect upon and admire my own strength and resilience I have developed during this trying time.  I look at the amazing people, whom I consider blessings, that I have come to know or just connected with on a deeper level.  This includes family, doctors, and friends: both old and new.  Because of this, despite everything I went through, I have never felt more myself than now.

If there is anything I can do, even if it's a small difference, I would like to help remove some of the fear women, and men,  face daily, when hearing those 3 words.  By raising money and awareness, we are able to continue making a change for the positive in the lives of many, as we reach break throughs, new treatments, new technology, new studies and new understandings.  Cancer is a terrible disease that develops in each person differently.   That's why finding a "one size fits all solution", is not easy.  But what we can do is diagnose it early, and treat it early.

So I thank you in advance for your support and consideration.  I do understand that due to the global pandemic, people's financial situations have changed, if you are not able to support financially, I very much appreciate any positive words and inspirational messages more than you may think.

If any of you are experiencing anything similar, or anything troubling at all, know I am an open book and am always here to listen and talk.