Dear  Family and Friends!

This year I celebrate 17 years of beating breast cancer! But this year my story has changed a bit.  In September after my annual mammogram I was called back because of atypical cells in the same breast as before. Following a biopsy and lumpectomy, I ultimately needed a mastectomy because of  the presence of DCIS,  a non invasive type of breast cancer. It was stage O, a non invasive breast cancer and no further treatments were needed. I feel lucky it was caught this early and grateful for better diagnostics. I can attest to the fact that progress has been made since I first had breast cancer.  Everything from diagnostics, biopsy, and recommendations for treatment have markedly improved. I also have several friends currently going through treatment for breast cancer. Treatments today are better and more targeted to specific tumours. Between myself and friends fighting this disease at the moment, it has strengthened my commitment to the cause of finding a cure, supporting research and better treatments.  My dragonboat team the Wonderbroads was a great support to me and has welcomed new breast cancer survivors to our team this year. We are back in the boat, racing  and going strong! Members of our team will once again gather to participate in the Run, to celebrate our survivorship, stand for a cure and continued research especially in the area of metastatic breast cancer.  

I'm hoping you can support me and my team in contributing to this campaign. I celebrate my survivorship this year more than ever. I walk for my friends that are currently battling this disease as well as the many women that are living longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer diagnosis and those we lost to this disease. But there is still so much work to be done!
By participating in this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure,  I’m joining a collective that is a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer. I need your help! 

Please contribute what you can to help me achieve my fundraising goal. Every dollar makes a difference!! Your donation will fund ground-breaking research to help save the lives of more Canadians and provide support programs for people affected by breast cancer. 
 Together, we can change the future of breast cancer. 
 
Thanks in advance for your support! 
Sandi Shoust