Everyone can say that their lives are marked by a specific moment or moments. I can say that on July 23, 2018 everything changed for me. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have imagined that I would hear the words “You have cancer” being told to me. I saw my whole life flash in front of me. So many emotions which even today are difficult to verbalize. After I had the chance to process the news, I turned the focus on planning for my recovery. I relied on my family, my friends, and of course on the medical team and the support groups helping me. I am so thankful for everything that has been accessible to me during my battle with cancer and I am proud to say that I have been cancer-free for the past 3 years.
For the fifth year, we have registered a team to the CIBC Run for the Cure, an event that was created to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. The team was first created when I was diagnosed. This year we will raise funds for all of those who are battling the disease and for those supporting those who are battling the disease. The Canadian Cancer Society invests the funds raised into breast cancer research, support services, health education and advocacy programs. It is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause.

Every day, 70 Canadians will hear the words "you have breast cancer." While these Canadians are living longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer diagnosis, but there is still so much work to be done.

By participating in this year's Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, we're joining a collective that is a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer.