Why We Walk for Breast Cancer

My mother, Georgina was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2000. Even though she had had an annual mammogram one year earlier, she found a large lump, which was 4 cm in size. She went directly to her doctor hoping it was just a cyst, but it was much worse.

She had Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, as well as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. The prognosis was very scary. The treatment began as soon as possible, including a full mastectomy followed by six months of two different types of grueling chemotherapy.

Throughout it all, we had a lot of ups and downs. The downs came when we dwelled on the what-ifs, and when Mum felt nauseous, or pain from the side effects of the chemo. But the ups came when everyone showed how much they cared.

Outporing of love, encouragement and support were the only way we could have gotten through the whole ordeal. Mum is very lucky to have four wonderful sisters, who came from all ends of the earth to be by her side.

What was most surprising and yet very reassuring is the many women who came forward with their own personal experiences with breast cancer. Women Mum met at work, in the dog park, and mothers of my brother's and my friends were all extremely supportive and sharing.

Knowing that they had survived gave Mum strength to go on. It also helped us to realize that too many women have suffered from this too common disease, and that is why we are walking to raise money for non-profit breast health rograms, and state-of-the-art medical research. Oh, and also because my cousin, Ashleigh, convinced me that it's not impossible to raise this much money. By the way, Ashleigh is also participating in the event in honor of a very good friend.

We were extremely relieved when the doctors did not find any sign of metastatic cancer, and Mum has recovered and is doing very well now.