Join me and help change the future of breast cancer!

To show my support for the thousands of Canadians diagnosed with breast cancer every year, I am participating and fundraising for this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure.

The Journey of Cancer: A Story of Resilience and Hope

The journey through cancer is not just my story; it is the story of
countless women across the globe who confront this daunting reality.

Cancer: The very word can evoke a whirlwind of emotions; fear, uncertainty,
despair. For many, a cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a journey
fraught with challenges and obstacles, yet it can also be one filled
with moments of profound strength, love, and hope.

For myself, it was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon at work when I noticed a
small lump in my breast. I showed it to a dear colleague, who urged me
to get it checked immediately. Initially, I didn't think much of it and
delayed a mammogram appointment, feeling too busy to go.

On December 21, 2021, I finally went for the mammogram, not feeling
particularly stressed, attributing the lump to something benign. My
doctor reassured me, saying there was an 80% chance it was nothing.
However, as weeks passed and the lump remained, a sense of unease
settled in.

In late January 2022, my doctor called and delivered the news: "Mary, you have cancer."

A visit to the doctor, followed by a series of tests, confirmed my worst
fear: breast cancer at age 43. The diagnosis felt like a punch to the
gut, a moment that would forever change my life and my family’s, as this battle can't be confronted without a robust support system.

The days following the diagnosis were a blur of medical jargon,
appointments, and decisions to make. The doctor initially recommended a
partial mastectomy with post-surgery treatment.

Each phase brought its own set of challenges. The surgery went well, and I
was eager to return to see my doctor to start treatments. A month later,
sitting in her office with my husband, I received more devastating
news: the surgical biopsy suggested stage two cancer, and more extensive
surgery was necessary.

We were physically and emotionally sickened by the news. Two months later,
I underwent yet another gruelling surgery. This time a much more
aggressive approach, but one that would lower my chances of recurrence
seeing as my cancer was hormone dependent.

Despite the toll, I found immense strength in my sisters, my children, and my
friends. Of course, my husband was a giant pillar of strength, attending
every appointment by my side and helping me stay focused on the
ultimate goal.

Some days, the pain was unbearable, but the constant support from my loved ones helped me find a sense of normalcy.

So far, there has been no recurrence in sight. Two years and four
surgeries later, I feel strong enough to share my story and be proactive
in helping other women.

This experience has profoundly changed my life and bestowed in me a deep
sense of resilience. My message to all women and their families
confronted with this challenge is: see the light, unleash your inner
beast, and let's beat this together!

Many thanks to my two beloved sisters, without whom I could not have done
this; to my dear aunt for always being there for me; to my wonderful
friends and my sister-in-law for their constant support. Evelyn,
William, and Dom, I love you dearly—you are my inspiration!

Support our team! Beat the beast!

Please donate today, we can help change the future for all.

Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Achievements

Raised $1000 !

Congratulations, you've reached the $1000 fundraising milestone!

Self Donation

I donated to the Run

Personal Progress:

of Goal

$1,686 Raised

$2,000.00

Fundraising honor roll

Ang

$20

Anonymous

Anthony Francis

$102

Diane Robitaille Pignoloni

$100

Dom

$150

Elvio

$255

Marie Élise Lebon

$50

Marilena Masella

$150

Ms. Diane Arcand

$153

Nadine Vaillant and Franco Forlini

Pierre et Lucie

$250

Pina Cavaliere

$102

Taillefer Nicole

$51

Support me Share Beat the Beast

I Run For

for all women who need to face this beast

My story

Marilena Masella

Personal progress

$1,686.00 raised $2,000.00 goal

Participate with me

Join my event

Join my team

My badges

I received my first donation.

I raised $500!

I raised $1,000!

I updated my fundraising page.

I am a top fundraiser!

Marilena Masella

$1,686

See all badges >

Fundraising honour roll

Thank You to my Donors!

Ang

$20

Anonymous

Anthony Francis

$102

Diane Robitaille Pignoloni

$100

Dom

$150

Elvio

$255

Marie Élise Lebon

$50

Marilena Masella

$150

Ms. Diane Arcand

$153

Nadine Vaillant and Franco Forlini

Pierre et Lucie

$250

Pina Cavaliere

$102

Taillefer Nicole

$51

My activity

Distance achieved

km

Goal

km

Total activity - Montréal

Active users

km

Team Distance

Download the free official CIBC Run for the Cure app

Wherever you are, our CIBC Run for the Cure app lets you share your Run experience on the go. Use the app to create your Run avatar, check your fundraising progress, track your physical activity, share your fundraising page, and more!