My Mother Veronica Putman was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in April of last month. She has a rare type of breast cancer which is invasive. She has started to go for rounds of chemo and eventually she will have to go through radiation and surgery, she has an extremely long haul ahead. It has been really hard to see her life completey change, but she is the strongest person I know. Last week we went and got her a wig and she looks beautiful. I can honestly say I am more aware of breast cancer now because of her recent diagnosis. It has been very hard for me to see her so sick and I know now more than ever it’s important to give something back something of myself; to show my awareness and care for all the women like my mom suffering from this disease. This experience has already taught me so much, I am completely empowered to see her so strong and so beautiful, and hopeful.

Ashley Putman

My neighbors daughter and I have participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure for a few years now in honor of her Mom and my aunt.  In the last 6 months we have lost these heroes however the battle continues.  Thank goodness for mammograms as the cancer in my breast is at the most early stage.  I have definitely gone through many emotions in the last month but from everything I have read positive energy can help.

After thinking and feeling that I wasn’t in control of my own body I thought of the thing that I can control and that is my attitude.  With that in mind, I planted two window boxes on the garden shed, which my bedroom window overlooks.  This is my visual reminder every morning as I pull up the blinds.  I have planted pink flowers as a symbol of the breast cancer, yellow flowers as a symbol of hope and each box has only 2 blue flowers as there is no room for feeling blue.  I am 3 days after surgery, awaiting my follow up appt and then will start radiation after that.  I will use these window boxes as a constant reminder of never losing hope and not to let the blues in.

Most sincerely
Joanne Montague

In 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My children were young – 7, 5 and 2 years old. My two youngest often accompanied me to the Regional Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook for my radiation appointments. My 5 year old remembers seeing a display of wigs on one visit and just shy of her tenth birthday shaved her head to raise money in support of breast cancer (and donate her hair) after growing her hair for three years. She was able to raise nearly $1500. A year later, her hair is growing back and I have celebrated FIVE YEARS CANCER FREE!

I have participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer CIBC Run for the Cure in Barrie for the past 4 years and had the pleasure last year of running with my daughter and holding hands as I was the first survivor across the finish line.

Sandy Hitchcock

Two weeks ago today I joined a global club I never expected nor wanted to be part of - - women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer - - and like countless who have gone before me and sadly countless who will join this club after me, I have found myself face to face with the prospect of my own mortality.

Despite already having undergone a partial mastectomy with axillary node surgery It is early days for me. I still face endless Dr’s app’ts, bone/lung & liver scans, chemo, radiation and whatever else this disease throws at me and in such a short time I have already cried a million tears and faced a million fears BUT I am looking forward to “finding hope” for my own situation and to a time where I may make a contribution to “finding hope” for others. Finding my own hope will let me look forward to joining the next level of this global club - - as a breast cancer survivor - - joining my gorgeous baby sister Michelle and the indeterminate number of courageous women just like her.

I am blessed with an awesome loving & supportive group of family, friends & colleagues from whom I know I must learn how to accept help as I move forward in the long haul ahead. I hope to be well enough in October 2009 to have many of my beloved “team” join me in October for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run (walk, push me in a wheelchair) for the Cure, so that we may soon see this club forever close its door to new members.

Yours in search of hope & strength,
Colleen Curtis

I would like to pay tribute to my daughter’s Grade 4 teacher as well as the mothers of the students in her class at Pickering Christian School in Ajax, ON. 
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer for the second time in August 2008 and had my first of 6 chemotherapy treatments in January 2009.  Being a small school I am acquainted with a few of the moms but not many.  When the teacher heard about my illness she asked the “class mom” to ask the parents to consider helping our family in a practical way.  They responded with such generosity both in spirit and in time by making us batches and batches of homemade soup, homemade bread and baking for our kids.  Not only did they do it once, but 3 separate times over the course of my treatment.   The soup was great and something I could eat when recovering from my chemo.  These women took time out of their busy lives and families to bless us in a very practical and yummy way.

Sincerely,
Julia Wormington

My mom, Sandra Crocker, has got to be the most inspirational woman I know.  She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and in less than a week of being diagnosed she was in the hospital having her breast removed.  After this, her attitude was as if she only had a minor operation and nothing was going to stop her. 
In 2004, she was once again diagnosed with breast cancer and had to under go radiation (37 times I might add).  Every time she went she smiled and I can’t remember if she ever complained.  Between then and last year (2008) she has been diagnosed with skin cancer and liver cancer.  She had over half her liver removed last year and was almost completely back to herself within a month.  She is the grandmother and babysitter of my 2 children and if there is one thing that I can learn from her is that nothing can slow you down as long as you have the right positive attitude and a great outlook on life.  My mom has been battling cancer for over 10 years now and if you didn’t know she had it, you would never know.  She lives life to the fullest and enjoys every day that she can spend with her family.  I love my mom with all my heart.
 
I love you, Mom!  More than you’ll ever know.
 
Jody Brake
Pasadena, NL

Lucy, the sister of a close family friend of ours very recently lost her battle against breast cancer.  At the funeral, three women spoke about the impact Lucy had on their lives.  The trio addressed Lucy’s family and friends as if they were her own.  Only, they had never met them.  In fact, before this day, Lucy’s funeral, these three women had never even seen Lucy’s family or friends.  And yet, they knew all immediately by name.

These women however, knew Lucy well.  In fact, they spent almost 2 hours together every day.  How?  On the GO-Train line from Brampton to Union.  Every morning and every evening, these three women and Lucy shared the same block of seats on the same train.  And each moring and evening they used this time to speak about their lives, their families, and their experiences.  In fact, they had made such a connection with eachother, 40 minutes at a time, that these three women stood at Lucy’s funeral, in front of her family and closest friends, and felt like they knew each and every one.  They spoke about what was important to Lucy, how proud she was of her husband and her three children, and of how much she loved them. 

And, they spoke about how they will remember Lucy every day when they sit in their block of seats on the GO-Train, and Lucy’s seat remains empty.

I have participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure several times.  I have never been personally afflicted with breast cancer, though it has touched our family.  I have been blessed with a wonderful family full of strong women: a 93 year old grandma, a supportive and loving mother, two amazing sisters, a heart-of-gold aunt and four free spirited first cousins.  My family which includes some very incredible ladies is the cornerstone to my life. 

In April of this year, I had my first child, a baby girl.  I love her more than I ever imagined possible.  The thought of losing of any of these women to breast cancer is heartbreaking, so I ran with my sister and my baby girl for hope in action.  I always find the atmosphere at the Run so uplifting and inspiring.  Even though I participate with strangers, I feel connected to them all through the cause to find a cure to a disease that will one day lose its bitter sting.

Erin

Here are a few from our team in the Durham Region, Ontario.  We created our own award to honour our top fundraiser in memory of my dear friend Ann Natale who at 41 lost her battle to breast cancer.

Cheers,

Miehm Team’s Army of Angels

To all the Women out there that is going through fighting Breast Cancer, I am there with you.

Be Strong, Positive & Hopeful. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks to my wonderful husband, family, friends & a great bunch of Co workers for all there love & support. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.

I am 44 years old, and back in March of this year, I found a lump in my left Breast.  The first thing that comes to mind of course is thinking the worst. After doing a Mammogram, Ultra sound & a Biopsy it all became a reality. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

My husband & I took the news very hard & still deep inside I am still numb from the news. My husband turned to me & said we will get through this.

Surgery was scheduled immediately, things went well & my recovery has been
amazing. I have managed to work through most of the time, which has helped to keep me sane.

I am almost at the end of my Chemo, but still have radiation go.

I have had days after my Chemo where the pain has been unbearable but staying strong & positive has helped, you are all in my thoughts & prayers & you are not alone.

Stay strong.

Faye Moffatt.