I made it through the CIBC Run For The Cure - Sunday October 4th, 2015

I know what everyone is thinking: is she insane? Going in a race?? Well, up until July 8th, 2015 you would never catch me anywhere near this event,  unless it was to volunteer or to donate money! Then I was dealt the "cancer card" and I knew that I didn't have time in my life to wimp and whine about it. It was time for this girl to try and make that change. The change to eliminate this world from Breast Cancer, forever ! 

Let's go back in a time, shall we? August 2007. My friend Roberta was arranging a customer appreciation day for her patrons at our local gas bar, Fast Freddie's Free Flow in Bath. I don't remember agreeing to have my head shaved with her, but I had apparently signed some document indicating that if she raised $2,000.00, I too would join her. The funds raised would be donated towards Breast Cancer Survivors. When the donations got up over $2,300, I knew my lid was going to be quite a bit lighter. So we went through with the public head shaving, had lots of pictures and a few newspaper articles written about the event and that was that. In May of 2013 Roberta was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being the determined young lady that she is, she beat it! (There was never any doubt in her mind)  It wasn't easy for her as she worked thought most of her treatments. She lost weight, lost her hair, yet kept on smiling, and working and keeping her customers happy! Now it's my turn. Ironic?

My employer, Empire Life Insurance is a big supporter of Run For the Cure. They had already set up a group called The Empire Spitfires, all I had to do was register online and share my page with others. My initial goal was $300; after reaching the $500.00 mark, I bumped my goal up to $1,000.00 By the time I had left home for the race, I had $1000.00 in online pledges and $645.00 in cash and cheques. I'm not sure how it works with my employer; I believe they add in an additional $1,500.00 somehow. When I picked up my friend Colette to travel to the event, she handed me a cheque for $25.00, my new total is now $1,670. How surprised I was to arrive home after said race to see another $60.00 in online pledges. $1,730.00 is nothing to sneeze at! The day after the race my friend Scoobie also donated $50.00 bringing the grand total up to $1780.00. Next year I am setting my goal at $2,000.00! 

Colette and I arrived at the event way too early, and stood there for almost 2 hours before the start of the race. Not a smart thing to do when you have knee issues:) Can you believe that we have been close friends for over 50 years!!! I was so tickled that she was walking with me; a true friend indeed.  I was fairly close to where my co-workers were gathered and was shocked to see virtual strangers (yet co-workers) walking with MY name on their shirt! How can I possibly thank these people?  Just before the race started, I gave my friend Helen's youngest daughter Shayanne a big hug before she set off with her high school team, The Ernestown Eagles! It was her first time participating and I wanted to let her know how much I appreciated her being there. After the opening ceremonies and a quick warm up aerobic exercise, the bag piper started the walk by pipping in the Survivors. I became weepy as I watched my good friend Judy walk with all those who have beat the evil disease. She has fought breast cancer three times and survived!

There were four of us heading out together. As we rounded the corner from the back of the college, we looked up Portsmouth Ave, there was the first sign we wanted to see: we had reached the 1 KM mark !!!  We headed down into Portsmouth Village, when we heard a fiddle band serenading us in Portsmouth Park.   I posted a quick video on facebook of them:) We crossed King Street and headed towards the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour site. How sad to see all those boats being hauled out. This was where we reached the 2 KM marker and were welcomed with portable washrooms, cups of cold water, AND a glorious view of Lake Ontario. Of course I had to have my picture taken here.

 As we headed up the hill by Rockwood Asylum, I warned Christine that she would soon hear a loud clicking noise.

 My titanium knees apparently didn't like being waltzed up such steep inclines. Somewhere along this lovely walkway, there was a young man, sitting among the trees, quietly playing his guitar. How soothing. The hill up to Lake Ontario Park was a tough one as the sun beamed down on us; I somehow forgot I was sporting two shirts. I could feel the sweat dripping down the side of my face, but didn't even think that it could possibly be the bright pink hair dye seeping from my hair. At the top of the hill, there was a four piece rock band playing classic tunes from the 70's. We stopped in the shade to wait for Judy and Colette to catch up. I then sprinted ahead and walked the last portion of the last kilometer alone. Christine caught up to me and we walked through the finish line together. 

This event couldn't have been planned any better. The weather was perfect, the companionship was outstanding and the support I have been given was out of this world. I am proud and honored that so many of my family, friends and co-workers have donated so much to push me way over my initial goal. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

P.S. I too will beat Breast Cancer...Just watch me!!!