I shower and as I wash my breast, my fingers brush over a small lump. My heart skips a beat. Can’t be! There’s no time. I anxiously call my husband. We agree to let it go for the weekend.

Am I another victim?
By Thursday I’ve undergone a biopsy. I gravitate between convincing myself that it’s impossible that I have cancer and, the despair and fright that I’m about to die a terrible death at the hands of this merciless disease. Monday - the results. I have cancer. Devastation. My insides shatter as I crumble into tears. My husband is even more devastated. We agree it’s absolutely imperative I undergo all available treatment, no matter how difficult. Desperation is compounded with our reality – we have a handicapped daughter at home. How will my family cope? What if I should die? I feel helpless. I’m 38, old enough to know what I have, young enough to enjoy it. Why is my body betraying me now? There was no pain, no symptoms, no illness - completely caught by surprise. Did I miss something? Could I have avoided this?

What’s next?
A cancer survivor takes me to her cancer support group. I’m not a solitary victim others survived more severe cases than I. Hope trickles in. These women become the light at the end of a seemingly long, dark tunnel. They’re there through the operation, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was long, hard and exhausting, but at one of the darkest times of my life, I discover something inspiring and amazing. I’m part of a fellowship of resilient survivors. Together we’re a powerful force, a living source of courage and hope.

What I learned!
I’ve had cancer and it may reoccur but I’ve felt the strength of love. I learned my coping abilities are as limitless as my courage to survive each day the best way I can and make each day count. It’s with this vigorous spirit that my husband and I founded the CURE Foundation for breast cancer in 1996. In seven years, CURE has raised over $7.2 million for breast cancer research, education and equipment through National Denim Day.

On Tuesday May 11, thousands of Canadians put their jeans to work in the fight against breast cancer by wearing denim and / or a pink flower appliqué to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the CURE Foundation. For additional information call 1-888-592-CURE (2873) or visit curefoundation.com.