I'm a mom, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend. Today, I add breast cancer survivor to my list of titles.  On September 28, 2022, I received news that no one ever wants to hear. It was the Wednesday following Hurricane Fiona, the power was still out for most of PEI, and that day I was flying to a work conference in Ottawa. My doctor drove to my house and sat at my kitchen table to discuss my recent biopsy. He told me I had breast cancer- invasive ductile carcinoma. I was shocked and not processing his words. I compartmentalized the news and got on the plane for my work trip.

The following months involved many appointments, two surgeries, and several scans. My pathology report revealed I had triple-negative breast cancer; however, it was localized, and my prognosis remained positive. On January 3, I would start my eight rounds of chemotherapy with radiation to follow in the summer of 2023. 

I'm grateful for the support of friends, family, my healthcare team and other survivors. Because I caught my cancer early and because of my treatment, there are no signs of cancer in my body, and I'm in recovery.  I feel stronger every day. I feel lucky. So many women don't get to say, 'I am a survivor'. 

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.

Penny