Oakville resident, avid fundraiser, health advocate and second-time participant in the Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
When I was 24-years-old, my mother, Miriam, died of her third bout with cancer. It started in her breast and spread to her lung and liver. It was all happening as I was planning to move out and balance a new life, all on my own. Yet, as a result of my family’s loss, I moved back home to Oakville with my dad and brother to be there the people who needed me most.
I’m now 34-years-old and recently, I lost a long-time family friend, Julian, to cancer. He battled the disease for a decade.
I have always wanted to give back and remember my mother and friend by supporting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top-five cancer research centres in the world. However, in my late 20s, I was also faced with a health scare of my own. I underwent two open-heart surgeries, which prevented me from participating in much physical activity.
Thankfully, I am now healthy and was able to complete the 2015 OneWalk to Conquer Cancer last September with my mom’s sister, Mariette, who has been supporting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for the last four years.
OneWalk is a 25-kilometre walk through iconic streets and communities of Toronto and an inspiring festival experience in one day, to raise vital funds for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and help conquer all forms of cancer.
My aunt has been instrumental in getting our team together, The Miriam Julian Team, and scheduling training sessions, keeping us motivated throughout the weeks leading up to OneWalk.
This year, my aunt and I are preparing for the 2016 Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The Miriam Julian Team will continue to celebrate the legacies of the lives we’ve lost, while supporting The Princess Margaret. The 2016 OneWalk is set for September 10,2016 starting and ending in Toronto at the beautiful Nathan Phillips Square.
Sadly, an estimated two in five Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetimes, and one in four will die from it. The Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer brings together communities of participants, survivors and their supporters for one common goal: to conquer cancer in this lifetime.
People from all over Ontario, and even the country, are expected to attend! The 2015 OneWalk attracted over 4,500 people and raised more than $7.5 million for The Princess Margaret.
These dollars support Personalized Cancer Medicine at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which enables world-leading clinicians and researchers to detect cancers earlier, diagnose with more precision, target treatment for each patient and support patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
The best part is that when a participant registers for OneWalk, they select a cancer fund that their dollars raised will support. And, the moment a donation is made, those dollars are immediately put to use at The Princess Margaret, improving life for so many Canadians.
I’m committed to raising critical dollars to save people like my mom and friend – loved ones taken way too soon. The Miriam Julian Team's aim is to raise $9,000, and you can donate online or create your own team.
Visit OneWalk.ca today and walk with me. This is everyone’s fight.