Hi Everyone!
What an amazing day. October 5th, 2014. The CIBC Run for the Cure where I was the Survivor speaker. 18 of Winnie’s Warriors came out for the run. I have attached a couple of pictures the foundation sent to me. I had planned to send this update out earlier, but it has taken me a long time to figure out how to get the video my brother and sister took uploaded to You Tube. Here it is!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Z3hiVcZjY&feature=youtu.be
While I was standing at the side of the stage, and Cynthia Mulligan, the MC was making the introduction, when she said my name and the Warriors who were there cheered, I nearly lost it. It was un-nerving enough to be sharing my story at the largest event of the day (65 cities across Canada do the run on the same day with 13.000 strong in Toronto). The emotion I felt was unbelievable. I was scared and excited. It was a crazy feeling.
After my speech and I had joined my group on the field for the warm up, the CEO of CIBC (the main sponsor of the event and one of Canada’s big banks) came up to me and asked to have our picture taken – a selfie- he said I made him cry. He told me: “Your speech was terrific and your courage is admirable. We were all fortunate to have you share your story with us.”
At the end of the day while looking out at the city lights reflecting on the day’s events, I felt really great. I felt like I had done something worthwhile. It made me smile inside.
IMPACT – there are all different kinds that can be made. Sometimes with money, or action. What happened at the Run For The Cure was small today but I hope to make even bigger ones in the future.
As previously mentioned, I was going to speak at a reconstruction workshop for Women’s College Hospital. There were about a dozen ladies at the workshop I attended. I shared my story and experiences with them. Then, although I wasn’t sure if I was going to disrobe, at the end I figured if it would help someone else then why not? One staff stood guard at the doorway to make sure that no one else walked in the room. So I said, if someone did, they’d have to pay to see me! Haha.
A couple of the ladies have reached out to me since then. We’ll be having lunch and/or coffee in the next few weeks. Another small impact I think.
I also had a visit with my surgeon. She did a once over and said I was healing well. Better news was she didn’t feel any new lumps or bumps. Phew. But taking tamoxifen for 10 years might be the new norm. Oh well. I guess I can live with that.
In the last couple of years, I have felt that I’ve lost my way. But slowly and surely, with the help of my friends, I have felt more and more that I am back! Oddly enough, it may not seem like much has changed – especially from the outside looking in – but I feel different. I feel better. I feel that there is much to look forward to. I feel HOPE again!
I’d like to find someone special to ‘hang out’ with as I’m not convinced that I’m ready to be a spinster. Although I have wanted Hasbro to use my face on the “Old Maid” card game. LOL. I’ve been pretty consumed with getting better and finding my way the last while. I think I’m ready now. Baby steps first. Will start to look around and pay more attention to my surroundings. Apparently I turn a lot of heads, however I haven’t paid much attention. But, as a girlfriend recently told me, not only do I have to keep my eyes open, but I have to keep my heart open as well. Although I am happy doing my own thing and spending time with friends & family, I guess there is something to be said about curling up with somebody, having popcorn and renting a movie on a Saturday night. We’ll see. I think in theory it sounds good – I do love my peaceful space. J
We’ll see what happens. My mother is horrified that I am going to end up alone and it breaks her heart to even think it. L
This journey of mine continues and I am so very blessed to have each and every one of you with me along the way.
Go Winnie’s Warriors!!
Love and hugs,
Winnie xo
