Tributes
Bev
Bev sent this to me the week of Mother's day 2008. Bev passed away June 1st 2008, just 6 days before the Ottawa Walk. That wheelchair Bev wanted so badly to be able to participate in the event was pushed the 60km’s through the streets of Ottawa.
"This is my third Weekend to End Breast Cancer.This year I would like to represent all those women, and men, whose breast cancer has spread to become “metastatic” breast cancer, and whose future is presently unknown. At this point in time, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer and our only hope is for new medications and for better treatment regimes to help keep us living better and longer with cancer.
My cancer journey began in 1999 at the age of 39. My daughters were only 8 and 12 years old. I have undergone numerous surgeries, and endured many, many chemotherapy and radiation treatments in an effort to keep my cancer under control.
It has not been fun. It has not been easy. However, it has not been without HOPE.
Hope for new medications, hope for new treatment regimes, and hope for a cure.
It is not likely that I will be cured of my cancer and eventually it will take hold. My participation in this year’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer is to make people aware of the many incurable breast cancer patients who fight every day for quality of life and for their lives.
I am grateful for the wonderful physicians and surgeons, researchers, nurses, technicians, social workers, administrative and clerical staff at the Regional Cancer Centre. I am thankful for the research facilities, equipment, medication and supplies made available through the Cancer Centre. I am forever appreciative and deeply moved by the love and support I receive every day from family, friends, neighbours, and volunteers. I am truly blessed to have such a caring husband, who has stood by me, sharing the ups and downs of my cancer journey.
This year I will not be able to walk the entire 60 km. Recently, I have had some progression of the disease in my hip and other areas of my body. Because of this, I continue on with chemotherapy which robs me of energy and strength. Walking the entire 60 km will be too overwhelming for me this year. I will walk as much as possible, and when I cannot, I will have the assistance of a number of wonderful people who will help me complete the Weekend journey by pushing me in a wheelchair. This was not my plan when I registered, however, one must roll with the punches and adapt to change ... this is my philosophy for survival ... and, I AM A SURVIVOR.
It is my hope that, in the very near future, no one will ever have metastatic breast cancer: breast cancer will be diagnosed early and treated effectively. I truly believe we are not far from that goal.
Please BELIEVE with me and SUPPORT my efforts to raise money benefitting the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Thanks for your support ... Beverly"