Hello Winnie’s Warriors!

To run or to swing for the Cure? – that is the question!

My answer: why not do both?!

Last month I was invited to be the guest speaker for the Telus Swing for a Cure which was held at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. The tournament raised funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). I was able to golf during the day and bring a guest, who was affectionately known at the tournament as “Winnie Friend”. We had a great day and Winnie Friend (also a Winnie’s Warrior), won the longest drive for the ladies!

Sometimes, I don’t always feel like sharing and speaking, but after I made my speech I was touched and humbled again by the words of the people who approached me. “So inspiring”, “Very brave”, “You’re beautiful inside and out”, “Awesome” and “Thank you for sharing”. The representative from the CBCF said there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. In a few cases, some of the men who came up to me had lost their wives in the past couple of years. They had tears in their eyes and their appreciation for my story was so telling to see. I hugged them all. You could tell how fresh the hurt and loss still was. When I spoke, I stressed how fundraising has made a difference in the lives of those who have been touched by cancer. Treatment and support lines are much better now than it has been in the past. And although not all of us make it, we battle hard and more of us are still here today. My thanks to all is heartfelt and sincere.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I have done interviews for Post City Magazine and 680 News. I guess in my mind, every little bit helps to create awareness and hope. (Although I don’t always say yes – right away).

Today, Team Winnie’s Warriors went out again for the fourth year to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure. It is held today across 61 cities in Canada. In Toronto centre alone, there are 12,000 participants.

Thank you to my team for coming out! Hugs!!

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to go out this year – but in the end, just like with the speaking engagements, I am happy and feel proud that I did. ‎The sense of togetherness and support that you feel is amazing. The emotions are still overwhelming but it reminds us that we are human and vulnerable. It is crazy to think and know that you are a survivor.  However, it is events like these that help us all to celebrate lives, remember loved ones and heal.

Next year, it will be year 5 of the end of my treatments and I am committed to having Winnie’s Warriors out again. I invite you to mark the date in your calendar (first Sunday in October). We’re going to dress up and have some fun! ‎ Maybe we’ll try the location at the Zoo. 🙂

I feel good as I am writing this on my way home from the Run. I did feel a little “blah” this morning but seeing some  friends and family come out (on a cold and cloudy Sunday) – put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. And, a little red lipstick always helps too!

Eternally grateful for all the support and love,

Winnie xo