“Today we run to make breast cancer beatable.”
Joey Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago. A routine mammogram turned out to be anything but. The screening detected “small, little calcifications” which turned out to be cancerous – leading to a mastectomy, treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, and finally “eight good years.”
During that period, she relied on the support of family and friends, and women who have gone through their own cancer journeys, said a tearful Davidson at the Opening ceremonies of the CIBC Run for the Cure in Alliston.
“Today we run to make breast cancer beatable,” she said, to remember those who have lost their battle and the many survivors, growing in number. “Each year, there’s more and more. Early detection is really beginning to work for us,” Davidson said.
She also had advice, from the viewpoint of a survivor. “Protect your health – it’s the most precious thing you have,” Davidson said, noting that “early detection and prevention” are the keys to health and success.
And, she said, “Laugh a lot and enjoy life. Don’t waste the time you have.”
There was plenty of laughter at the Run for the Cure, with participants wearing wacky costumes, including pink feather boas and wigs. Teams included the Pink Ladies of the Briar, the Jack-ettes, Liza’s Team, The Knitted Knockers in sparkles and feathers.
There were tears, but also strength, courage and determination: #I Promise to Make Breast Cancer Beatable.
This was the fourth year for the Alliston Run for the Cure, which has raised almost $195,000 to-date. Among the teams participating was Team CIBC, with representation from the Alliston, Schomberg, Tottenham and Bradford branches of CIBC.
