In 1969 my Mother lost her battle with breast cancer.
In 1992 I survived breast cancer.
In 2004 my Sister survived breast cancer.
In 2009 my Cousin – In – Law survived breast cancer.
These are some of the personal reasons I walk in the CIBC Run For The Cure .
I walk in Barrie, ON because that is where my survivor Sister started our team “Busom Buddies”
and because my Sister who lives in Angus is also part of that team. Each member of our team is either a survivor or has lost someone to breast cancer. There are a lot of teams in the Barrie run. There are a lot of groups in the Barrie run. There are a lot of people who participate in the Barrie run. The numbers rise no matter what the weather. So does the amount raised.
This year, on Oct. 3rd, I woke up to temperatures below 5 degrees and pouring rain in Oakville. I thought of one of my friends who sponsors me, Tim, who’s last comment to me the day before was, “I sure hope the weather gets better for you”. Apparently Tim has an in with Mother Nature because as I drove towards Barrie, the rain cleared and the sun shone. It was a beautiful day.
The people of Barrie take their Run for the Cure very seriously. Women & men of all ages, children, babies and dogs (lots of dogs) participate.
There is a lot of competition for running, for raising money and for the wackiest “pink” costume. This year was a first for the Barrie Fire Department. Starfield Lion manufacturers of high-performance safety clothing for firefighters, police, and other emergency responders donated Pink fire fighter gear for the lads to walk in. These men, who most already consider to be heroes, proudly donned their pink garb and strutted their stuff the whole length of the course. Not an easy task. Their patience never wavered as they talked and laughed and posed for pictures with everyone who asked (pretty much everyone including yours truly).
Kudos to Starfield Lion and the Barrie Fire Department for caring about their community and doing something about it.
Barrie Taxi was there preparing to unveil their “Pink Ride”
donating a portion of their fares for the month.
By now you have figured out, that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone can do something to help. My friend Marty Fawnkey deviated from his usual “business and marketing” blog post to share information that Dr. Aaron Tabor was giving away his book “Fight Now: Eat and live proactively against breast cancer” as a free digital download. An amazing number of young people volunteered to simply be posted along the route of the Run for the Cure in Barrie, to simply cheer on all the participants.
Everyone can do something. How about you? What are you doing? What’s happening in your community?
Very moving blog Michelle. My mother died of cancer not long ago. I’ve had it once myself though not life-threatening.
To answer your question, I typically run in a fundraising event each year. This year however, I’ve decided to join the Movember movement and grow a mo’ (moustache) in the month of November to help raise awareness/funds for prostate cancer research.
I’ve never grown a moustache.
Liam, I’m sorry to hear about your Mother and I’m glad you are OK.
This is the first I have heard of the “Movember” movement. It sounds like you could have some fun with that. I hope you will share some photos. There is another one I heard of recently which is a combo of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It was quite a clever name and I just can’t think of it now. It will come to me (or someone will remind me).
It was nice to hear from you…
…and don’t forget those pictures!
Talk soon,
M
nice comments that tell a sad but positive story at the same time; too many friends have not been so lucky with this dreaded disease, even though I am told the odds are getting better; makes one wonder who picks and choses.
Guess the Lord has the final say.
bud
Bud,
You know better than some. I hear Barb is coming through her most recent bout in record time. I can’t believe she is already home from the hospital. I think us “tough old gals”, dig in out of sheer stubbornness.
We are saying prayers.
M
wow
thoughts of how short and long life is
cheers rod
Rod, very true.
Thanks,
\m
Beautiful Michelle
good for you
Jen
Thanks Jennifer.
M
Michelle,
Good for you for embracing such an event – understandable given the impact on your life and your family.
I share a vendetta against cancer, having lost many family members to the vicious disease, including my mother far too many years ago than I care to remember. My sister is currently battling breast cancer so I understand and support the fight.
Respectfully,
Dale
Dale,
I am sorry your Sister, you and your family have to deal with this scourge. I will keep you all in my prayers.
The good news is things are quite different now from when we lost my Mother and you lost yours. I remember vividly what my Mother had to go through and how much she suffered. The advances by the time I was diagnosed were astounding and then again in the gap between mine and my Sister’s. All, of course, because people care, get involved and do something. I truly believe the day will come when it won’t be necessary. I also believe that day is not that far off in the future.
Thanks for your note.
M
MICHELLE nice to read your blog keep up the good work love ya cousin ray
As you know, I lost my mom to a brain tumour (Glioblastoma multiforme, grade 4) last May.
I hope that at some point I can do something in her memory. My dad talks about winning the lottery and donating to research, but I think i will be a little more practical.
As always.. thanx for sharing.