Wally has been a dedicated volunteer at CBCF for nearly 20 years.
Walter Gunn, better known as Wally, joined us almost 20 years ago as a volunteer, and now he wouldn’t even think about doing anything else. His skills and experiences have come to be most appreciated, and he has truly become one of us. Some say volunteering is good for your health, and in Wally’s case, it really does make him feel good to help others.
“The office is an extended part of our family, and I am extremely proud of that fact!” says Wally. And why does he wear pink? “It’s for breast cancer, it’s for hope, and I wear it proudly!”
In those 20 years, the volunteer program has blossomed and aligned itself within the structure of the organization. Today, CBCF has a strong supporting cast of volunteers who help make it all happen.
Tracy with her husband Michael, son Alex and daughter Natasza just before the 2012 CIBC Run for the Cure.
In 2006 I decided to train for my first half-marathon to mark the occasion of my 40th birthday. I ended up with shin splints that led to stress fractures and I had to stop running. A couple of months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Turning 40 was not working out so well for me. Even after my second chemo treatment I was able to do the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure with the support of about 30 of my colleagues. I was not able to run the entire way but I made sure to run across the finish line! It was an amazing experience to be a part of it.
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For her Cook for the Cure party, Gayle and her friends hosted a bra decorating contest using themes that inspired them.
Someone asked me once if I had any sisters. Sadly no, I answered. But that is not quite true, for I have many, many sisters. These sisters are part of my Christian family at St. James Anglican Church (SJAC) in Fenelon Falls.
When I first read about the “Cook for the Cure” the ladies of SJAC had formed a group called “Food for Thought.” We met on a regular basis to share potluck, fellowship, and to discuss upcoming events in our church. It happened to be my turn to host our get-together and I thought the Cook for the Cure would be a great theme. We all liked to cook, and especially sample each other’s recipes, and we were all on board for donating to breast cancer. It was a great success. So as part of our outreach we made the Cook for Cure party an annual event. That all began in October 2005. To date we have raised over $2,500 for breast cancer.
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Christine says that although breast cancer is now a part of who she is, it does not define her.
My name is Christine Vanderheiden and I have breast cancer. It has taken me a long time to be able to say this, identify with this and, finally, share this. It’s one of those things you just never thought would happen to you … but it did. I was diagnosed in April 2012 and have had a successful lumpectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy. I began my radiation in October and am feeling great knowing that I am fighting this with everything I have. Breast cancer is now part of who I am, although it does not define me. This is what defines me …
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Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, but that hasn't stopped her from walking.
This is my niece. My beautiful little niece. Actually she’s no relation to me, but her mom and I have been best friends for 30 years now. Which is impressive since I am only 35 years old.
Feb. 16, 2012 will always be a day I will remember. It was the day my life, my family’s life, all changed. During a routine exam my family doctor found a lump in my right breast, and under my arm. My heart sank and the tears came two weeks later when it was confirmed: stage 4, grade 3. Highly aggressive were the only words I understood. Elevator music started playing in my head. All I could think about were my kids. My teenage headaches waiting for me to get home, and this little girl. My surrogate sister watched and helped raise my children, and I was wondering if I would get the chance to return the favour.
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