October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a time when we collectively raise awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment, and research. In previous years, I would often use this time to write a post reflecting on my own experience with breast cancer in hopes to raise awareness among a younger audience of women. Why? I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed – a healthy woman with no signs or symptoms – it came as a great shock to myself, my family, and my doctors when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (you can read more about it in my post This is My Story). Breast cancer is often associated with women in menopause, however, women at a younger age are increasingly afflicted with this life-changing disease, and early prevention, screening, treatment, and awareness are imperative for a favourable outcome.
So why am I penning about Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of November, and remained virtually silent in October (the actual month for Breast Cancer Awareness)? Simple answer, I was walking. I had joined a Fundraising Campaign. My goal was to walk 50 kms by October 31st in hopes to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness, with all proceeds going to The Princess Margaret.
Over the years I have participated in various fundraising campaigns for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF) – from their Magic Castle Daycare print/radio/video campaign (you can view the video here), to their Fundraising Mail Campaign – using my story and personal experience to reach others, with a hope to make a difference. It has been 5 years since I participated in a PMCF fundraiser for cancer research and awareness, so it was time.
I choose to fundraise for PMCF because Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) is a remarkable institution – one of the top 5 cancer centres in the world. PMCC leads the way in cancer research and cancer care. The programs at PMCC are extensive, offering daily child care (Magic Castle Daycare), cancer education for both patients and caregivers, Indigenous cancer care, cancer journey guide books and planners, nutrition and wellness classes, psychosocial support, and so much more. Found within the walls of PMCC is love, empathy, and support for both patients and caregivers. You are not alone in your fight. You are aided , through each stage of your journey, from diagnosis, to treatment, to recovery, to learning to live in the aftermath. I know this, because I utilized their programs. I relied on PMCC’s survivorship programs in the early days of my own breast cancer journey. My son was kept safe and protected on-site at Magic Castle Daycare, while I attended appointments, clinics, and imaging. I remained an active patient in the survivorship program for 20 months as I healed both physically and emotionally. I know, on a deeply personal level, how imperative and extraordinary these programs are, which is why I chose to fundraise.
So, how successful was my fundraising campaign? I started my campaign on October 12th and I accomplished my 50 km goal in a total of nine days, to a grand total of 100 kms by October 31st. I not only doubled my walk but also exceeded my fundraising goal. I raised a total of $770 CAD for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, contributing to a collective grand total of $31,479 raised for the 50 km Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run Fundraising campaign. I am very proud of my efforts, and I am incredibly grateful to the individuals that donated toward my cause and supported me along the way. Although my fundraiser is now closed, you can still make a contribution toward cancer research and awareness. Should you like to donate to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and make a positive difference in a cancer patient’s journey, you can do so by clicking <HERE>. Every donation counts. Every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you to all those who continue to raise awareness and fight for this cause. I hope that – one day – we really do find a cure.
Making a Difference One Step at a Time. Published by Crystal Joy Hall
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