As Breast Cancer effects everyone in some way, we decided to enter a team to raise money for a worthwhile cause. We went from a few interested members to a team of 26 and managed to raise over $6,000 dollars and counting. The event was very well run and affected team members in different ways. We can’t wait to run again next year with a larger team and a bigger goal! Together we can beat this horrible disease.
Sheri Lucas
Our firm, the Hamilton Office of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, Barristers, Solicitors, Patent & Trade Mark Agents, has been participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure for 11 years now. It is the biggest fundraiser in our office and everyone either participates in the Run or sponsors a participant. This year we had a bake sale and made cookies in the shape of Pink Ribbons and Cupcakes with Pink Ribbons on them.Â
The Partners in our firm provide matching donations to all employees who participate. One of our partners donated tickets to a Maple Leaf Hockey game and that pushed us up to our fundraising total of $20,000.00. For the last seven years in a row we have won the Corporate Team Spirit Award which we proudly display in our staff lounge. This year we had almost 70 participants including our friends and families.
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Almost everyone in our firm knows someone who is directly affected by breast cancer.   I have lost one sister and my other sister is a 5 year survivor. We run for those we love and our children so that one day they may have to look up the term breast cancer in the dictionary.
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Betty
My name is Catrina Acocella. In May of 2007, my family and I lost a very important family member to breast cancer. It was a very hard time for all of us, but it was especially hard for me. Julie Pawlick was like a second mom to me. The day we got the phone call was one of the worst days of my life. I wanted to do something to help other people so they wont have to feel the same pain I did, but all I could think was I’m only 13 and there is no way I could help. So I started a foundation called Hearts4Hope. Hearts4Hope sells chocolate lollipops in the shape of hearts. Julie may be gone but with me her soul remains. She will never truely be gone, I love her and she helped me so much to just figure out the meaning of life.
I am a breast cancer survivor of 1 year and this was our 2nd Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. My grandsons posted a very poignant message on the Wall of Hope that brought tears to my eyes.
Their message “I love my grandma”.
With love like this we are sure to find a cure.
Heather
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My sister Kelley was diagnosed last year this time. Since then I have watched her triumph through Chemo and Radiation. The love and support from friends, family, extended friends and family and complete strangers is some days overwhelming but ALWAYS welcome.
Through every step I have sent out emails to keep everyone up-to-date. Those emails were titled “Kelley Update”. I personally sent out approximately 100 emails every time and I know those got past on. Amazing technology!
We have stayed positive through this whole journey, even in moments of uncertainty through the love and support of all those friends, family and so on. As you may notice I use “we” a lot. In our situation there isn’t just Kelley that is affected by cancer, it’s our entire support system. Everyone has been supportive in whatever way they could and it is that love and support that got us through.
Kelley is an amazing lady and I am very proud of her. She is the captain this year of 45 members of “Kel’s Krew” for the Run. The team keeps growing so who knows how many team members by Run day! We have team mates across Canada!!!
Oh yeah, one last thing…This one’s for you Kel….WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! Love ya!
Kat
Finding Hope, the blog for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, invites you to tell your inspiring stories of personal experiences with breast cancer and become part of the wider community of Canadians who have been touched by breast cancer.
