CANCER SUCKS - Jennifer Reid

Still on my journey – this was the start of my 12km walk
from Brighton to Dolls Point and back on 14th January 2012

Excuse the French in this post title, but I am going to Paris and as I’ll explain, a bit of French was necessary here.

I know “CANCER SUCKS” because I’ve experienced the dreaded thing first hand! Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve also had to get my head around devastating news in regards to some amazing breast cancer survivors I know.

Firstly, one of my cousins who had been given the all-clear, has recently been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (that is, secondary breast cancer) in her bones. She’s such a trooper and I’m so amazed and inspired by her courage and her fight for life. I pray she keeps up the fight and wins!!

Then my friend’s sister, who had fought breast cancer for 7 years, sadly lost her battle at Christmas time. She was only 49 years old.

And then there was Sam. Sam was one of the Team Pink members all set to do the Paris Marathon with me in April. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and was seemingly doing well, until October 2011, when she was diagnosed with a secondary breast cancer in her liver. She died a couple of weeks ago.

It’s so unfair!

Although I didn’t get to meet Sam in person, I did get to chat to her once on Facebook and was looking forward to meeting her in Paris.

There’s a feeling of being somewhat like “soul sisters” when you meet people who, like you, have experienced breast cancer. There’s an unspoken bond that connects you somehow.

So sure, I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Sam face to face, but I was deeply saddened by the news of her passing. I shed tears for Sam. I shed tears for her family. I shed tears for myself and the fact that I have to live with the fear of breast cancer lurking around every corner.

But the battle will continue to the end. I’m committed to doing what I can to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. Just like Sam, whose motto was “never give up”, I will never give up.

I’m angry that Sam didn’t get to realise her dream of going to the Paris Marathon. She was an amazing woman – to have committed to the marathon even when she knew she was not well, to have such passion for a cause bigger than herself. The very same passion that pushes me on to a marathon no less. I must do it for Sam, for my friend’s sister, for my cousin, for the 15,409 Australian women projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer by 2015…not to mention thousands more around the globe, and the men who will get breast cancer too.

I feel an urgency to help the National Breast Cancer Foundation in some way. Their goal has become my goal – NO MORE BREAST CANCER DEATHS BY 2030!

My story can help make a difference. My breast cancer experience can help to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the NBCF.

Miraculously, I’m training for a marathon. Amazingly, I have survived breast cancer to share my story. Gratefully, I will cross the finish line in Paris. Gladly, I will hand over $10,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help bring them closer to their all-important goal…NO MORE BREAST CANCER DEATHS BY 2030!

I’m committed to doing my bit. But I want to thank you for doing your bit. Thank you for your donations, your support, your love and good thoughts you’re sending my way…I couldn’t do it without you!

Jennifer xo

P.S. In case you missed it, please go over to my Events Page for your invitation to my fundraising dinner to be held on 3rd March at Agape Organic Restaurant, Botany. It’s going to be a great night. I’d love to see you there 🙂