Dear Blog Readers,

As you know, this past year has been fraught with health challenges for me with my breast cancer diagnosis in March 2010. The journey has been one of testing and of triumph. It was a hard fought battle, and I am pleased to say that I am now in remission!

The months that passed felt like I was in a whirlwind race against time in chasing cancer and ridding my body of it to make me well again. The emotional ups and downs were eased for me through Cancercare Manitoba’s Patient and Family Services programs and services, as well as those offered at the Breast Cancer Center of Hope.

In the year that has passed since my diagnosis, mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, I have used Cancercare Manitoba’s meditation, Pilates, yoga, and art therapy programs to keep my body and mind healthy, and to reduce the stress in living with a cancer diagnosis. As well, the ongoing support of a nurse educator and psychosocial oncology social worker helped me with concerns that arose throughout this journey, especially when I endured various complications with all of my treatments.

The support programs and services for cancer patients and their families come with a price tag. Funds to provide the programs and services come from private donors and special events proceeds, which are raised by the Cancercare Manitoba Foundation. The Foundation also raises money for cancer research including new technologies and medicines like Herceptin and Tamoxifen (which I am using as the last phase of my cancer treatment), and funds the buildings and equipment required to care for cancer patients across Manitoba.

To celebrate being in remission, I am joining a fellow breast cancer survivor and other colleagues in raising funds for the Cancercare Manitoba Foundation via this year’s 20K Challenge for Life on Saturday, June 11.

I invite you to join me in this walk by becoming a Shoot for the Cure team member, or by financially supporting my efforts to help other patients and their families by making a donation for my participation on the team. You can register your donation under my name by clicking on this link:

Thank you for your ongoing support of me in my cancer journey. I hope that you will share in my vision of helping other cancer patients and their families by participating in this fundraising event.

The Challenge for Life inspires me to live each day with Strength, Courage, and Determination.