Happy Holidays

Bouncing along the surface

This month has been one filled with family, friends and festivities. It seems that every night we are out and about or our home is filled with guests. Lots of laughter and good hearted spirit. Today, I thought I would take a few moments to reflect and recharge before galloping off to get a tree and then on to yet another event.

In my reflection I think about the importance of engaging with our kids - our friends - our families - our coworkers and our acquaintances. We get so busy it is easy to bounce along the surface of life without actually experiencing anything. This seems to be the order of the moment at the holiday events where small talk and joviality rules.

I have been making an effort to really talk to people this year. I inquire, thoughtfully listen and have been surprised at what I have learned about people whom I have known for years (and clearly not really known). It has enriched the holidays for me.

I have always known that taking that time is so important, especially with my kids. I recognize that my relationship with my youngest daughter is richer because of the investment. What I had not seen was how significant the return would be from reaching out to others.

People never stop amazing me - or their ability to help me be better just from knowing them.

Celebrating

This time of year, for many, is a time of celebration.

Whether it is Diwali or Deepavali (also called the Festival of Lights), which has just passed, for Hindue, Jains and Sikhs; Al-Hijra - Muharram which is the Islamic New Year; Christmas for Christians and Catholics; Chanukah for the Jewish; or another cultural or traditional observance - you can guarantee that the festivities will involve surrounding ones self with family, friends and food.

Not only is this a time to rekindle relationships and feel the love of those closest to us it is also time for reflection and to count our blessings, whether few or many.

What are your blessings?

Aloha from Maui

The sun, surf, flowers and fauna are nothing short of amazing here in Hawaii. When you look around at what Mother Earth can provide you realize how incredibly blessed we are. We have been on the North West coast, but have been touring around exploring what we can. I have been very interested in the history of Hawaii and am happy to see that there is an abundance on the Indigenous people - not just the European settlers and Missionaries.

I was also interested to see what kind of support is available for those facing breast cancer here and this is what I found:

The Hawaiian department of health established a Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program in 1993. The primary goal is to reach women who are typically under served by early detection screening programs and therefore at greater risk. In Hawaii that mean women of lower income, who have no or insufficient health insurance and more often are native Hawaiian and Filipino women.

This screening is available to women between the ages of 50-64 and is offered in partnership with nine community clinics, hospitals and other organizations who specialize in breast and cervical cancer detection.

This all came on the heals of the US Congress passing the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act in 1990 which recognizes the value of screening and early detection for 'all' American women - not just those who can afford it.

November Memories

Fall has always been a beautiful time of year. The leaves are all turning on the trees. The weather starts to turn colder. Snow kisses the tops of the local mountains. The sun is lower so the sun rise and sun sets are amazing. The squirrels are in a frenzy finding the last of their winter food.

November also takes me back to 2003. I was just finishing my third of six chemo treatments. All of my hair was gone and I was struggling through the fatigue and nausea. I had dropped to a dangerously low weight. Everything around me was dying away - the last of the summer bloom was gone. I guess in a way I was dying a cell at time too - without actually dying.

I got through that 2003 November and each since, with many more ahead of me. Everything seems more intense now. The colours seem more vivid. The air more crisp. The mountains more spectacular. The squirrels - well they are still in a frenzy. Maybe nothing changed - just me. I used to run from the rain. Now I walk in it and let my hair go curly. Life is good.

Call For Abstracts Extended to mid November

The 'Call for Abstracts' has been extended again to mid November. We have had an overwhelming response but know there are a number of you who still would like to submit.

To get more information or to submit your Abstract on line go to:http://www.wcbcf.ca/conference/abstract-form/

We had a number of survivors involved with the WCBCF who attended the recent Young Women's Breast Cancer conference in Toronto, Ontario, plus we had a booth on site. Response has been incredible, with women volunteering to assist with the Ambassador program and the International Support Links project.

The momentum is building. How many more sleeps do we have?

Buttons

Last night I had a dream about buttons. Every colour. Every size. Every shape.

When I woke up I could see all of the buttons so clearly and wondered what they represented in my subconscious. Then my mind drifted to all of the women around the world who will be coming to Hamilton next year for the World Conference on Breast Cancer.

We are like the buttons. We come in every variety. The factor that makes us most like the button is we often hold our families and communities together. When we get sick, we are like the button, whose thread has come loose and we need someone to help us get through.

Call For Abstracts Extended

For all of you interested in participating in the conference as a Speaker or putting on a workshop, the 'Call for Abstracts' has been extended to the end of October.

To get more information or to submit your Abstract on line go to: http://www.wcbcf.ca/conference/abstract-form/

Things are really getting exciting - key notes confirmed, plans being firmed up, sponsors and partners joining us and much more. From my view point I can feel the momentum building. Gives me goose bumps.

What do you give thanks for?

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. Many families gather to enjoy the bounties of the harvest and to give thanks for our many blessings.

I was in a coffee shop yesterday and the staff had put out a sheet of paper and pen encouraging customers to answer the questions, "What do you give thanks for?". Customers had written things like, "My health", "My Children", "Having good friends", "Enough food to eat". As I looked at the list, I recognized the significance of Thanksgiving. We often take the simple things for granted when we have them.

My mind jumped to those living in other places in the world who face all kinds of adversity. For many of these people having the simple things is not only a blessing - it is a miracle.

I am so blessed. If I were to start listing all of my blessings I would be sitting here for days.

So I will pose the same question to you that I read in the coffee shop, "What do you give thanks for?"

World Conference on breast Cancer Winnipeg

You know it is breast cancer awareness month due to the flashes of pink everywhere. Pink ribbons, pink papers, pink - pink - pink. There were waves of pink running in most major cities across Canada on Sunday as it was the Run for the Cure which benefits the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a long standing sponsor of the WCBCF.

Back in Winnipeg at the 5th World Conference on Breast Cancer we had our own share of pink waves. Check out some of the fabulous images from the conference by watching this wonderful photo montage.

Now Accepting Abstracts for Presentations

Hi folks, Know of a great presenter or would you like to share your expert knowledge as a presenter for the World Conference on Breast Cancer.

We are now accepting abstracts for presentations. Click on this link for details Call for Abstracts.

5 Year Survival Rates

Ok I survived the first week of High School. Whew - only 5 years to go! Hmmm what a coincidence, five year survival rates apply to parenting a teenager too. I digress. After the first day, I arrived home to find my daughter and two of her friends sprawled over the family room, stuffing their faces (because that is what teenagers do). I eagerly asked, "So? How was the first day?"

My daughter casually stated, "It was ok". Her girlfriend then piped up with, "It was overwhelming, the school is so big, I kept getting lost, I didn't know where anything was, there are so many kids, I was late for pictures...." (all spoken at a light speed). Arden looked over at her and just calmly said, "it wasn't that bad". I tell you - my girl sure knows how to roll with change.

I remember when I went through my mastectomy. Arden, then 5, took everything in. She touched the tubes that attached to my drains, the bandages that covered the surgery site. I told her that the doctors took the sick part of me away and that they were going to give me a medicine that was going to kill any bad cells that they may have missed. She asked me if I was going to die.

Until that point I did not even think of that outcome, but then also realized that the only thing she knew about cancer was related to Terry Fox and the run. She knew that Terry did not make it. I responded with, "we will all die someday. I am not planning on dieing soon and the medicine the doctors are going to give me will make me seem sicker, but they are trying to make sure I get over this cancer".

We talked about what was going to happen to me - like the fact that I would loose my hair. Like the first day of high school - she just rolled with the information by announcing that she would be happy to paint my head when my hair fell out.

We will survive high school together, like we survived breast cancer together already.

Last Day of Summer Holidays

It is hard to believe that our summer is slipping into fall. All the kids go back to school tomorrow after two and half months of parks, beaches, camping, foreign lands, iPods, texting and in our case - transforming into a teenager.

My daughter is going into high school. A very exciting, but scary time. She and four of her gal pals decided they wanted to go shopping yesterday to pick up that last minute perfect outfit for the first day of school. I eagerly agreed to take them and was looking forward to seeing what kinds of clothing they would pick. That is when I realized my daughter was looking at me like I had a third eye.

"Mom, we will be OK, you can just drop us off" - I got the 'dis' (that would be the dismissal). I when from cool to embarrassing overnight. I knew it was going to happen - I just was not prepared. I did not think it would be this early.

Stay tuned - I think we are in for a bumpy ride! Gulp.

In my next entry I'll tell you about the 'dinner conversation' we had the other day - I managed to slip in some breast health topics.

The WCBCF Video - Amazing!

We did the video shoot for the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation (WCBCF) today. It was absolutely amazing.

The key thing about this video is that it was not just to promote the World Conference on Breast Cancer, but to celebrate survivorship.

It is our intent to show people worldwide that breast cancer does not discriminate – no one is immune. We know that throughout the world many women face great barriers when it comes to breast cancer: lack of awareness about the disease (detection, diagnosis and treatability); lack of resources; lack of support; and fear of discussion.

Many women here in Canada and around the world are uncomfortable talking about cancer, let alone breast cancer. As a result, when these women are diagnosed they are often feel isolated and unsupported. This video is our opportunity to tell the women of the world that it is ok to stand up and fight for survival and celebrate life. And boy did we celebrate today.

The director, WendyD, filming crew, all of the musicians, film editors and survivors who participated were all volunteers. So I on behalf of the WCBCF want to express my sincerest gratitude.

This was an amazing day. I cannot wait to share the results.

Today is my Birthday!

Yes, it is my birthday today. 49th

I know - no one is 49 - they are actually 50ish or more. Well it is true - I am 49 (although I could possibly be 49 again next year).

Today is special for other reasons - we are pulling all of the last minute details together for our YouTube video shoot to promote the World Conference on Breast Cancer.

I cannot wait to share the final results with you - this is all very exciting.

A great day - on many fronts.

Technology Bonds

I gave our oldest daughter my old blackberry and needless to say there was great delight.

Unfortunately that was short lived as she attempted to move the phone over to her phone plans and have my old security profile wiped off. She lost everything (messages, contact list, etc.) and the phone went into total failure.

OH MY! She was in total overload distress. No one could reach her. She couldn't call anyone. No texting for a whole day. She arrived tonight for dinner - totally stressed out and ready to blast someone - anyone - for the phone problems she was having.

The good news - her dad is really tech savvy. He figured out what was wrong and fixed the phone. They spent hours texting, SMSing, pinging, BBing (whatever this language is) each other and selecting ring tones for their various means of connecting. The bonding was amazing.

Dad is a hero. Daughter is happy. I am happy too.

Making Less Time For Dirty Socks

I have always had an interest in the spiritual side of our existence and do believe that some people are more sensitive to spiritual energies than others. Whether they can correctly interpret those energies is another discussion. So from time to time I like to see a psychic to satisfy my interest. I don't plan my life around what they say or change my direction, but I do sometimes pick out some of the nuggets they provide.

I don't know if I mentioned that when I was up at Whistler I went to see a psychic. One, of many, things my psychic told me was that my life was very busy doing stuff for everyone else (I know that is pretty much every woman). She said I am feeling overwhelmed and consumed by the demands of others. She added that I need to slow down, let some stuff go and do something for myself. Specifically something creative.

My life is crazy right now with so many competing demands and every demand is as important as the next. It is a matter of shuffling priorities. Unfortunately, I become the lowest on the priority list. I think about things I want to do for myself, then something else gets in the way. I don't feel overwhelmed but I do sometimes feel frustrated that I am not doing things for myself.

I have tried to let some stuff go - you know ... things like laundry. When the mountain of dirty socks just about tumbled on to me as I walked into the laundry room - I realized that was probably NOT one of the things I should let go.

What I have let go of is caring about things that are not that important - like the fact there was a mountain of dirty socks. Dirty socks won't start a war, cause an time rift or ecological disaster. They are just there waiting. So rather than jumping on them the moment they fall - I let them wait a little longer so I can spend time in my studio working on my stained glass or go for a walk on the sea wall.

I am making less time for the dirt socks and more time for me.

What do you believe?

Having a quite Saturday, reading the National Post newspaper and came across my horoscope. It was such a great message I really felt I needed to share it. So my thanks to writer - Georgia Nicols.

"We often forget about our spiritual life until something serious occurs, then we reach out, even if we're floundering. This is a good day to ponder your spiritual values. Have you ever though about what you actually believe in?"

Mountain Air

I have just spent the week in Whistler with my husband, youngest daughter and her friend. We have hiked on the mountain, played in snow, seen chipmunks and bears, been swimming in the lake and pool, laid on the beach, shopped and laughed like silly fools for days. The last time we were here was during the Olympic Winter Games. The pace is significantly slower to say the least.

It is so wonderful to be here enjoying each others company and the fresh mountain air. Unfortunately the air changed yesterday with a shift of the wind. There are forest fires to the Northeast and the smoke has filled the valley. Even though the reason for the smoke is devastating, it also brings a strange beauty. Everything has an amazing golden haze and glow and the air has a sweet smell.

I am just about to pack up the car - the girls are running down to get one last dip in the pool. We will take a leisurely ride home - probably stop along the way to check out the sights and no doubt get some ice cream.

No hurries - no worries.

Remembering Jean

I have just learned that a co-worker, Jean Stewart, lost her 3 year battle to breast cancer. Jean had been a 12 year survivor only to learn the beast had returned. She passed today - her birthday.

Jean touched everyone she knew with a hilarious sense of humour and an amazing spirit. Jean was a Scot with a thick accent - although she would argue that it was you with the accent not her. Tireless, hard working, always a good thing to say and positive outlook on any situation - no matter how grim.

We recieved a notification from our organization that said, "Jean will be remembered for her intelligence, wit, commitment and enthusiasm. She can best be described as follows:

A special sense of humour, combined with her distinct Scottish accent and phrases, she brought a sense of joy, passion, and commitment to her work which was infectious and inspirational. Intelligent, analytical, wise and occasionally, “cheeky”, Jean had relentless enthusiasm for law and policy and commitment to the injured workers of BC. She made the Board a better place to be for those fortunate enough to work with her. She will be truly, deeply missed."

A lovely human being who made the world a better place for everyone who knew her.

Makes you go 'Oooooo - Ahh'

Last night we had the honour to see the Celebration of Lights fireworks display put on by Spain from a friends boat. Being on the water (even though it is my greatest fear), made the experience nothing short of amazing.

It was not just the fireworks that made the night special. There was also a two year old, named Alexis, on board who made the evening an event that I will fondly remember for quite some time.

We spent hours making faces at each other, giggling, rolling blueberries across the rocking table and of course practicing our 'Boom' - 'Oooooo', 'Ahhhhh'.

By the time the fireworks arrived I think she was out of 'Oooooos and Ahhhhh' and the 'booms' were a little bigger than she anticipated, so kept a little low during the performance.

I'm not sure what was more fun - the fireworks, tackling my fear of the water or playing with Alexis. Bet you can guess - yup the two year old bundle of fun. A very good reminder to 'Oooooo and Ahhhhh' more often.

The Island that makes you slow down

So I am still feeling the effects of a restful holiday with my daughter. We stayed at a little place called Indigo Farm. It is a working bio farm and very rustic. If you are looking for high end accommodation this is not the place for you. It is clean and private, with lots of space to lie around and do nothing, which we did a lot of. We did puzzles, played cards, hung out with the family cat - Meeka (and occasionally Marbles and Marmalade would pop by), cooked delicious meals with produce and eggs (which we collected ourselves) from the farm, fish from the dock, fresh lamb from Sunset farm (Salt Spring is famous for their lamb) and ate gallons of ice cream from Glad’s.

We went on outings that took us to every part of the Island – Vesuvius Bay, Fulford Harbour, Ganges, Long Harbour, Musgrave Landing, Beaver Point, Fernwood, Walker’s Hook Mt Maxwell, Ruckle, where we found interesting beaches, parks, lakes, artists’ studios, beautiful landscapes and cute little cafes stuck in quiet secluded corners.

We went where the wind took us. No plans. No pressure. The only outing we had planned was to visit the ‘Market’ on the Saturday. The Market is a famous event on Salt Spring, which is held every Saturday during the summer. It is a gathering of artists and artisans from all over the Island and the stuff they bring is amazing!

We got there early because we definitely wanted to get our pick of the bread from the bread lady (Linda) as she tends to sell out early. Oh my! What a spread. Baskets of savoury and sweet breads all fresh baked in her enormous brick oven. The cookies and sweets from Two Sisters were a treat and there was a French baker, who made traditional French pastries and other baked goods that instigated a second and third visit to her stand. Gosh I am drooling just thinking about it all.

On our last day we went horseback riding with Moray, from Island Carriage Tours and Guided Trail Rides. She took us up past the old Mowat campground and up to the hilltop into an open meadow where we enjoyed amazing views of Ganges Harbour.

The vacation was short, but felt long. The opportunity to relax and spend interrupted time with Arden was fabulous. It reminds me that we often let too many distractions interfere with the things that are really important. So I am still feeling the effects of a restful holiday with my daughter. We stayed at a little place called Indigo Farm. It is a working bio farm and very rustic. If you are looking for high end accommodation this is not the place for you. It is clean and private, with lots of space to lie around and do nothing, which we did a lot of. We did puzzles, played cards, hung out with the family cat - Meeka (and occasionally Marbles and Marmalade would pop by), cooked delicious meals with produce and eggs (which we collected ourselves) from the farm, fish from the dock, fresh lamb from Sunset farm (Salt Spring is famous for their lamb) and ate gallons of ice cream from Glad’s.

We went on outings that took us to every part of the Island – Vesuvius Bay, Fulford Harbour, Ganges, Long Harbour, Musgrave Landing, Beaver Point, Fernwood, Walker’s Hook Mt Maxwell, Ruckle, where we found interesting beaches, parks, lakes, artists’ studios, beautiful landscapes and cute little cafes stuck in quiet secluded corners.

We went where the wind took us. No plans. No pressure. The only outing we had planned was to visit the ‘Market’ on the Saturday. The Market is a famous event on Salt Spring, which is held every Saturday during the summer. It is a gathering of artists and artisans from all over the Island and the stuff they bring is amazing!

We got there early because we definitely wanted to get our pick of the bread from the bread lady (Linda) as she tends to sell out early. Oh my! What a spread. Baskets of savoury and sweet breads all fresh baked in her enormous brick oven. The cookies and sweets from Two Sisters were a treat and there was a French baker, who made traditional French pastries and other baked goods that instigated a second and third visit to her stand. Gosh I am drooling just thinking about it all.

On our last day we went horseback riding with Moray, from Island Carriage Tours and Guided Trail Rides. She took us up past the old Mowat campground and up to the hilltop into an open meadow where we enjoyed amazing views of Ganges Harbour.

The vacation was short, but felt long. The opportunity to relax and spend interrupted time with Arden was fabulous. It reminds me that we often let too many distractions interfere with the things that are really important.

Art

So no, it did not take me this long to recover from the race on July 4th. We did well - ok - we did not come last. We did however, raise plenty of funds. The real reason for my absence is that I was on vacation with my daughter on Salt Spring Island.

It was really beautiful and wonderful to be away on our own - doing the girl bonding thing. We did spend considerable time looking at art. Salt Spring is a hub for artists and artisans of every description. Everything from wood turning, glass blowing, painting, felting, to the art of cheese. Yes, I said cheese. If you have the opportunity to try Salt Spring cheese (it is quite famous) do - it is incredible.

My daughter has the art bug. She received a scholarship this year to attend the Artists for Kids program this year and next. Being around all of the art of Salt Spring was quite inspirational. We spent hours collecting small flat shells that had naturally been worn to flat rectangles on a beach we found. Arden intends on making a mosaic with them and then painting an elaborate pattern.

Today's Google Doodle will be an inspiration too. Check it out.

Getting Ready for the Race

Well tomorrow is the big day - I get to run up a mountain with my three gal pals in the Seek the Peak Relay, in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. Fortunately for me - it is a relay so I don't have to literally run up the mountain my self, we each take a leg and then run up together in spirit. The race is 16km and goes straight up 1250m (4100').

I lost my voice last Sunday and still do not have it back. I have felt fine all week, but in the last couple of days it seems to have gone into my lungs. I feel fine - I just cough when I breath in too deep. Hmmmmm - breathing deep - I think I need to do that to run? Oh well - I'll be good.

Rethink targets education and awareness at young women and is taking a planning and support role at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Ontario next June. They are taking part in the Youth day program and putting on a young women's event.

Wish me luck in the race. Do you think starting to stretch 24 hours in advance is too early?

World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation Board member, Dr. Tam Truong Donnelly has recently got amazing news, as the University of Calgary–Qatar was awarded a research grant of $1,010,343 USD to study, "Factors that Influence Breast Cancer Screening Practices Amongst Arabic Women Living in the State of Qatar." The project is the brainchild of Tam, who is an Associate Professor at the Univercity.

Tam will be the Lead Principal Investigator and says, "I'm very excited and honored that our proposal has been deemed to be valuable and significant enough to get funding that could potentially have a major impact on the health of women living in Qatar".

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women living in Arab countries. Al Amal Hospital in Doha reported that 20 percent of cancer cases receiving treatment in 2007 were breast cancer among women. Data obtained from the Gulf Centre for Cancer Registration for breast cancer incidence from 1988-2002 ranked Qatar as third highest in the Middle East region, just after Bahrain and Kuwait.

Congratulations Tam!

Happy Birthday Canada - Joyeux Anniversaire le Canada

For those of you in nations much older, Canada is just a kid. 143. I am sure I have relatives in England, Germany, Holland, Russia and Austria (and various other nations who's blood lines run deep in my family) who have socks that are older.

All the same I am proud to be Canadian. I feel blessed to live in this wonderful country, especially given I have daughters.

When you live in Canada, as a woman, you can do anything you aspire to do. You can be a professor at a university. You can work in an office. You can be a doctor, lawyer, judge or politician. You can be a wife and have children. You can be the Prime Minister or CEO of a corporation. It is your choice and the choices are limitless.

There are many things about Canada that make it so special. From our amazing vistas to our diversity of culture. We are a tapestry of many differences. We are unique.

One thing that is special about Canada - is our access to free Health care. This is a luxury I do not take for-granted - especially in an urban centre - because I know that the access is limited in remote communities where the services are not as readily available. I also know that this is something that is not available at all to many woman around the world - we are lucky here.

I am proud to be Canadian - Happy Birthday Canada.

WCBCF was at the G20

Our Presiedent Leila Springer had the opportunity to meet with African Leaders at the G20. Here is what she said, "It was a great experience, everyone was there with their own agendas looking for the opportunity to table or share their concerns and mostly to network which I believe we all did a great deal of.

It was obvious that people were more concerned about business opportunities than the average person in Africa with health issues and the lack of support and resources. I used every opportunity I got to talk about our concerns, the present situation as we know it and what we are doing as an organization to support the women in Africa.

The event was attended by people from around the world, looking for business opportunities in Africa, mostly North Americans and mainly men. I made a lot of contacts, networked quite a bit and encouraged the business leaders to consider help for the women in rural areas with health issues who are mostly ignored for a variety of reasons.

I emphasized the importance of business development and investment but also the pressing need for providing and contributing to a healthy country. I received good reception from most, a few ran the other way because of my topic but in all it was a fruitful event for WCBCF.

Many who never heard of us both in North America and Africa, now know we exist and many are willing to sponsor some women to attend the conference so I have lots of letters to write.

Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement, it was worth it, if for no other reason than our International Support Links project."

Wishing yourself away

With all of the year end activities going on with my 12 year old daughter I am a little preoccupied with the transition from child to teen. So forgive me if my entries for awhile have a common theme.

My daughter loves sports, as a result she sweats. With the sweat comes the odd pimple. When she was getting ready for her dinner dance she pleaded with me to use some kind of cover-up to eliminate the sight of a few little spots she had on her chest.

This scenario vividly reminded me how insecure I got at that age. Strong in some ways, but always with the self doubting. My girlfriends were all more popular with the boys, prettier, slimmer, had nicer skin, perfect hair....

We are sucked into this vortex of what is physically beautiful. Now I know that physical beauty really has nothing to do with how attractive you are. At the time I could not be convinced of that and I am sure I will struggle to convince my daughter now.

I hear her say, "I wish my hair was ...., I wish my skin was..., I wish...."

She cannot wish her self away. She cannot be someone else, but then they cannot be her, although I am sure there are many who wish they could be - she is pretty awesome. All I need to do is somehow get her to see how amazing she is and how to embrace herself.

We age and lose physical beauty. We have surgeries that take away our breasts. What endures is our 'self'. It is our 'self' that really makes us beautiful, strong, charismatic, funny, intelligent and more. I never want to wish that away.

Milestones

Yesterday, my 12 year old daughter attended her ‘yearend’ celebration to mark an important milestone – the end of elementary school and transition into junior high school. Over the next few years, she will try to establish herself and find her path as she bumps and jostles her way through her teen years into young adulthood.

As I stood looking at all of the young girls and boys I saw the notable division as all of the boys standing on the left of the patio, pushing, fidgeting and laughing and the girls all standing on the right, giggling, preening and posing for the parents flashing cameras. The girls were all adorned in pretty dresses; hair fashioned in curls, tied up or flat-ironed in perfect place; faces tastefully painted and teetering on heels. The boys were wearing clean clothes.

The kids all moved through the doors, into their banquet room and I realized that everything was changing in that moment. My baby has become a young lady. I was proud, happy, and a little frightened too.

Have I given her enough tools to make the right choices, to connect with others who will respect her and cherish her, to deal with the stresses of adolescence and to pursue health relationships?
Does she know and understand how important it is to make healthy choices in her life now – eating the right things, exercise, sleep, hygiene, and avoiding toxins like drugs, alcohol and smoking? I know she will be tempted by peers – is she strong enough to follow her own path and dance to her own drummer?

Time will tell. I must now stand and watch – guide when I can – support her – and be ready to catch her if she slips.

I guess this is a milestone for me too.

No Regrets

A friend writes a blog and she posted a video that you have to watch. Check her out her entry called 'NO REGRETS'. http://dhana.ca/blog/?p=415.

I was sitting at my computer watching this - grinning like a fool. It is great!

Free Hugs

I thought this was wonderful - I needed to share.

Click here - Free hugs.

I need to get a tissue - I feel so happy.

WCBCF to Meet with G20 African Leaders

Our President, Leila Springer, has been invited to attend a G20 Business Seminars with African Leaders.

At a recent International Support Links meeting, it was agreed that the WCBCF needs to maintain our commitment to the African continent while looking at including other underdeveloped countries. It was also agreed that we need to find out from the individuals we will be working with what was important to them and what help they needed to provide us with information which would enable us to enhance and plan an appropriate programs.

Attending this G20 meeting provides an opportunity to not only meet with the political leaders, which is important to plant seeds of possible change for the women working in these countries and raising awareness, but also meet some influential people who can be advocates for the women working in the health care system and in the communities back home.

The WCBCF has managed, through work with countries throughout the world, to get a solid sense of what barriers many women face: such as access, resources and cultural. The WCBCF is committed to making the needed connections to remove these barriers and the G20 Business Seminar is a step in the right direction.

National Aboriginal Day

Today is National Aboriginal Day in Canada. In 1996, June 21st was officially declared as National Aboriginal Day. June 21 was chosen because it is the summer solstice and, for many generations, Aboriginal Peoples have celebrated their culture and heritage on this day.

This celebration of Aboriginal cultures within Canada aims to bring about awareness to the rest of Canadian society, of all aspects of art, music, oral history and traditional games.

I thought it especially important to recognize this day because of what work the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation does. We reach out to all who want to hear or speak about issues related to breast cancer to raise awareness. We strive to provide delegates with tools so that they can share information and create support infrastructure back in their communities.

We talk about nations that do not have access to services and about cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking assistance when they find they have a lump in their breast or learn they have breast cancer.

You do not have to travel outside of Canada's boarders to find women in this situation. Sandra Ahenakew, who is on the WCBCF Board of Directors and leads the Aboriginal Outreach Commitee told me that Aboriginal people are uncomfortable talking about cancer, let alone breast cancer. There are the same stigmas with male doctors, for Aboriginal women as there are in other cultures throughout the world. She also told me that women who are diagnosed often do not have access to services and feel very isolated.

Today, if you are in Canada, take a little time to learn more about our First Nations people in your geographical location. If you are elsewhere, learn something about a different culture. Understanding our cultural differences will help us understand and deal with barriers associated with raising breast cancer awareness in all cultures.

In my region the Aboriginal people are the Squ-HO-o-meesh (the Squamish people) and fall under the modern name of Coast Salish. I learned that the people in this region, after contact with European settlers, decided to come together as one band in 1923. The intent was to protect and fight for their land, which was being taken by railroads and settlers. They were and are governed by 16 Chiefs and successfully stopped others from taking their land reserves. They are a water people. The Squamish Nation was a co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Buttercups

For what ever reason this last couple of weeks has been extremely busy for me (as you can tell from the absence of blog entries). I constantly feel rushed and under pressure.

My 12 year old daughter has a field hockey tournament this weekend. Normally we have enough players at our games to allow for regular rotation. Due to conflicting schedules we only have enough girls to make up a team. This means that the girls are running non stop from start to finish. Needless to say if I could remove a barrier to ensure that one the girls could make the game - I was going to.

Last night one of the girls was going to miss a game as she had to babysit her two year old sister. I offered to take the two year old and her sister (our player) to the game and back home again after. The deal was sealed. I picked up the girls and off to the game we went.

I had forgotten how much work a two year old is, and how much fun. My little charge was a little nervous with me because she does not know me well. She has seen me numerous times talking to her mom, but has always been quite shy. I decided to make her comfortable we would walk around the outside of the field so she could see her sister.

What an adventure. We turned over every rock, picked up every pine cone, piece of string, and twig. We pointed out birds, dogs, doggie doodoo deposits, and beautiful flowers for mommy (which fortunately were not in close proximity to each other).

By the time we were done we have a lovely bouquet of buttercups. For weeds they sure are pretty. It reminded me that I need to slow down and notice what is important. Like buttercups.

We made our way back to the stands and walked up and down the stairs over and over again. Soon the game was over and it was time to go. I am sure the little one slept very well last night. I did.

eNews Coming Your Way

I finished up our second edition of the WCBCF eNews. There are some good updates on the Annual General Meeting and a great story from Tanzania. If you want to be added to the distribution list just pop an email off to info@wcbcf.ca and ask to added to the eNews letter distribution list.

I did not talk much about the new Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee - probably should have said more because this is one of the first of it kind for this type of conference.

I have to admit this conference and Foundation are different from anything I have ever seen - it brings survivors - medical - scientists together into one place to share.

Gives me goose bumps just thinking about the power of the exchange.

Training Hike

I am about to head off to Ambleside Park to do a training hike for the Seek the Peak relay. I have less than a month for training so I am starting to push myself. I have already done 1 hour on the treadmill today.

This is a picture of where the trail starts at the Capilano River. It is all up hill from here.

Julie

A friends daughter’s mother in law passed away today – she was diagnosed with breast cancer barely a year ago.

We hear the statistics all of the time: 1 in 9 diagnosed, 80% survival. It can be very easy to forget that our mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, grandmothers, granddaughter, friends ... are behind the statistics.

You know who that '1' (of 9) is. You love someone who is in the 20% and did not beat cancer.

Live your life with passion today, tomorrow, everyday - for Julie, all you have lost, those still fighting, everyone left behind and yourself.