I'm Lacing Up My Kicks, And Running for the Cure

When I was a kid I remember hearing someone say that every person will be touched by cancer in her lifetime. The thought that cancer could be so far reaching was a concept I couldn’t possibly understand as a child. As with most things in life, as I grew up I discovered that there was truth in that statement. Cancer has touched my life and the lives of many of my friends and family.

As you probably already know, my mother died from colorectal cancer five years ago. Five years ago my life was profoundly impacted by cancer. But, in those same five years I watched other people in my life face cancer, specifically breast cancer. In fact, research suggests that one in nine Canadian women will face breast cancer in her lifetime. While breast cancer is not present in my family history, my husband’s family history is filled with stories of strong women going through breast cancer. As a woman and a mother of two daughters, I know that chances are our family will have to face breast cancer again.

I have already tried to be proactive in the face of cancer. When my mother was diagnosed I changed my entire lifestyle. As a family, we adapted a healthier lifestyle; making better nutrition choices and being more physically active. While I know that I am doing the best I can to keep our family healthy, genetics have a role to play. To my mind, this is where research comes in to play. Research that is being undertaken in hospitals and laboratories across Canada, by doctors, nurses and scientists. Research that we all need, if we are going to stop this disease that affects so many.

This year I will be joining the thousands of participants across Canada who will be taking part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. The money I raise will be going toward groundbreaking research, health education and advocacy initiatives across Canada.

Over the next few weeks I will be huffing and puffing my way around the streets of Toronto…training for the 5K run. While I am not much of a runner (I read the fine print, I’m allowed to walk), I am going to try my hardest to run the entire 5 kilometers. I will be carrying the spirit of all the women I know who have been afflicted by breast cancer. I am taking a little extra motivation this year from my beautiful, strong friend Karin. Karin is a mom of three young kids and she is facing her second breast cancer diagnosis. I dream of a time when no one has to face breast cancer, not even once.

My mom used to say she believed money raised for one kind of cancer research helps the research of all types of cancer. I truly believe that. I know that the money raised through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will have a rippling impact on women and families in my community and beyond.

Are you looking for a small way to make a big impact on the breast cancer cause, please register to walk or run, donate or volunteer.

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