My name is Wendy Garner and a barrel saved my life. When I was out in the garden one day, I felt a strong pain after the ridge of a rain barrel dug into the right breast. Realizing this was not normal, I went to see my doctor. Tests confirmed that I had a lump in my breast.
The surgeon didn’t like the look of my x-rays. He told me the situation was serious and I was given the choice of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I eventually chose to have a mastectomy to get it over with as soon as possible. On the day of my surgery, they discovered that my tumour had tripled in size in just 3 weeks, and I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
After chemotherapy and surgery, I found a new love for life. While going through an exceedingly difficult time in my life, I was surrounded by the support of my family and friends that kept me feeling like myself. A few years later, when my workplace organized a team for the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, I jumped at the opportunity to join.
The Run has become a large part of my life
The Run has become a large part of my life. Every year I look forward to walking – no matter the weather – and raising funds to make a difference. I’ve helped raise $270,000 through my years at the Run. I want to continue doing this because I’m making a difference in the lives of people living with cancer.
And I know firsthand the benefit of research dollars and the real difference they’ve made.
The impact the Run has made in the last 20 years
Knowing and seeing the types of treatment they now have and the early detection they have developed over the years, makes me believe that even more change is on its way.
It is because of events like the CIBC Run for the Cure that have made that possible. It is inspiring to see the real change that has been made because of this event.
I believe that a future without breast cancer is achievable and with every passing year at the Run, we get closer to it. I want everyone to experience the feeling of a CIBC Run for the Cure and know the impact they can have on people living with breast cancer. We certainly all have a reason to Run.