Resonating Impact

Three short weeks ago, the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer was about to start. Delegates from around the world were arriving in Hamilton, Ontario. Volunteers and staff were taking care of all of the last minute details that come up. There was the nervous buzz of excitement that one feels before an event of this size.

Now it almost all seems like a distant memory and yet the Conference is having resonating impact. We are already hearing from delegates who are returning to their home countries with stories of optimism and hope.

For example Dr. Shirley Jhagroo was able to attend from the Barbados team. Barbados has a very high mortality rate in breast cancer so it was good that she was able to attend. Shirley writes, "Thank you for inviting us to be part of the ISL (International Support Links), it certainly was a wonderful experience. I have returned to Barbados with such enthusiasm and determination to make things better for our women. I had a meeting with the members of the Breast Screening Program Committee yesterday, and could not contain myself as I was bursting with knowledge and ideas gained from the Conference to share with my committee, thank you for this opportunity."

Life gifts

Well the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer is now complete and our delegates representing 38 countries are now home or on their way.

Although, my current battle prevented me from make it to Hamilton I have been hearing great things over the past week. I wanted to share one note sent to me from one of our delegates from BC, Lavonne, because I really think it says it all.

"Women going through breast cancer treatment and after must embrace the new life that has now been given to them as their life as now forever changed, but not necessarily in a way that most may think.

You may be surprised to hear it for the better! Many life gift are given to survivors that are theirs that they can hold onto for the rest of their lives - the Conference was one of those gifts. "

Thanks Lavonne. Over the next weeks I will try to get some additional quotes for you and of course we will post photos up on our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/wcbcf).

Keep checking back.

The 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer is Officially Open

Today is the day that the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer officially opens.

Hundreds are arriving in Hamilton Ontario for this incredible intragenerational event.

Throughout the next couple of days we will Tweet and update Facebook in between the flurry of events, speakers and workshops. To link to us on Facebook or Twitter go to www.wcbcf.ca and click on the links provided.