I, along with my family and friends, will once again be participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure. This is the 8th Run that we have participated in since I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December 2015. Getting a breast cancer diagnosis sucks. Getting it twice is devastating. Beating it both times is hard on the mind, body and soul but I did it with the help of my family and friends.

I participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure to try to beat Breast Cancer for good. Early detection and research into preventing reccurence is close to my heart. I am proud to make a difference and I will continue to help change the future of breast cancer.

Here is my story. When I was 33 years old and three months pregnant, I discovered a lump in my breast. Doctors were certain it was superficial, but removed it and performed a biopsy anyway. In December, 2015, at 25 weeks pregnant, I received the news that I had Stage 2B Triple Negative breast cancer. From there I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy during the 28th week of my pregnancy, where it was discovered that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. Three weeks later, I began my the first of 6 chemo treatments, delivering a healthy baby boy after only two treatments. I was admitted to hospital on two separate occasions with a newborn baby at home for over a week each due to low white blood cell counts. After completing chemo, I went on to receive 25 + 5 radiation treatments and finished everything on August 22nd, 2016. 

This takes us to August 2021 where I again had discovered a lump in that same breast. This time a biopsy confirmed it was again Breast Cancer but a new type of Estrogen Receptor positive Breast Cancer so this was not a recurrence. I had a single mastectomy with an attempt of reconstruction in October which ended up being 3 surgeries to try to save the reconstruction and then eventually remove it. I went through 6 months/16 treatments of chemotherapy from December to May and have now started on prevention.
In Dec 2022 I had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to help prevent recurrence and I now take daily medication that shut down any additional natural hormone production to also prevent recurrence. In March 2023, I started the long road to reconstructing my breast. With my latisimus dorsi flap being rerouted to my breast and a tissue expander placed under it I now have a mound resembling a breast. I go for saline fills every three weeks and eventually I will have the expander exchanged for a permanent implant.

I am feeling stronger everyday and hope that I have beaten this thing forever. I absolutely hate being an expert in this but I am always willing to help anyone else going through the same thing. 

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,  I’m joining a collective that is a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer. I’m running in honour of the incredible people in my life, and 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.  
 
Did you know that just $100 could fund two hours of life-saving research in a world class laboratory? Your contribution could lead to the next breakthrough! 
 
Together, we can change the future of breast cancer. 
 
Thanks in advance for your support!