CIBC Run for the Cure

The day to don my pink garb, strap on the runners, and cross the finish line after 5 km of huffing and puffing finally arrived! Over a  month ago, I registered for the CIBC Run for the Cure, an event totally dedicated to fighting breast cancer through treatment and research.  As of a few minutes ago, their website (Run for the Cure) states that $27 million was raised nationally through donations to the run.

Initially, I really wanted to put together a team (minimum of 10 people), but people's lives are busy and finding 10 people wasn't easy.  Therefore, I registered as an individual, as did Esther and my sister, Maureen to do the run in Kamloops. Even though they had hoped to make it to Ashcroft, Rachel and Stu registered to run simultaneously in Victoria.

After having arrived yesterday from Trail, Maureen had me up at the crack of dawn to get organized and on the road to Kamloops by 8:30 a.m. Alone, because Maureen and I had to travel in separate vehicles, I shed many tears on the way.  I couldn't really explain why I was crying -- angry that breast cancer felt so close and personal; overjoyed that I felt well enough to be even trying the run, melancholy that my whole family wouldn't be there.  I pulled it together by the time we parked and, after meeting Esther and her friend, Kristy, we headed off to Riverside Park.

Esther and I ready to start

There was a tangible energy and excitement in the air. It's remarkable how a common goal creates an instant camaraderie, particularly among those of us wearing the pink "survivor" shirts. After the opening ceremonies and a warm-up by the "Get Cracking" team, we were off!  Initially, the large crowd at the start made it difficult to do more than walk, however, after a 1/2 km or so, we were able to get up to a slow run.  The 5 km was a pleasant mix of running and walking and, as we passed my surgeon's office (the woman who lopped off my right breast!) about 1 km from the finish line, I determined I wanted to run from there to the end.  Maureen  offered constant encouragement as I expended my last ounce of energy to get to the finish line.  Exhilarated by the cheering spectators, we sprinted the last 100 m.

Maureen and I nearing the end.

I DID IT!!!

The most moving part of the day for me was the "Survivors' Parade", part of the Closing Ceremonies. The Kamloops Breast Cancer Dragon Boat team formed an archway with their paddles, and all us survivors walked through together, receiving a pink daisy at the end.  Standing arm-in-arm for photos with all these remarkable women brought more tears to my eyes.

I'm a Survivor!!!

 The 5 km was a whole lot like the last year of my life -- simply put one foot in the front of the other, and it's amazing how far you can get!

Never give up!!

PS:  Even with my discomfort asking people for donations, I managed to raise $400 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I already have so many plans to do better next year. However, if you have a desire to make a contribution this year, simply go to the link above and click on "Donate Now".  It can be a general donation, or can be made in my name by searching for me as a participant.