34 was a bad age for us. In the fall of 2004, my husband Shane, was diagnosed with testicular cancer (age 34). With Shane’s diagnosis, we quickly learned the statistics. Only 20 years earlier, testicular cancer was considered to be 99% fatal. With research, those numbers, thankfully, had changed dramatically. There is now a 99% survival rate. After undergoing treatment, our lives gradually returned to normal.
Remember 34, well in early 2007 at the age of 34, I too was diagnosed with cancer, mine was breast cancer! So Shane and I shared an oncologist. Our boys were now 4 & 6 and it was quite an adjustment for them to have me bald and lying on the couch instead of getting their snacks, taking them to activities and playing with them. With the help of family and friends, we once again, got through another difficult time.
We are thrilled to say that I have just been released from the cancer clinic as I celebrate my 5 year anniversary and I am now considered cancer free. Shane is coming up on his 8th anniversary this fall. We have a lot to celebrate and we owe that celebration to the progress of cancer research. Needless to say, when 3 years ago we heard that the Terry Fox Run in Kelowna was at risk of being cancelled, we signed on as the volunteer organizers. We had participated in the Terry Fox Run for years because of its commitment to research. This commitment has certainly made it more personal to us over the years.
Through our volunteer role, we have learned that the Terry Fox Foundation is one of the most fiscally responsible charities in Canada. 84 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to cancer research. This money funds leading edge research for all types of cancer. Unlike many other fundraisers, there is ZERO budget to promote and put on the event. You can imagine how grateful we are for the generosity and support of this community.
There are many choices for your time, energy and donation dollars. We have personally chosen the Terry Fox Run because we believe in the progress of cancer research and we respect the way the Terry Fox Foundation spends the money raised. If you want more information on the Terry Fox Run, go to www.terryfox.org or send me an e-mail at wormanlisa@gmail.com. We are proof that cancer research can work, but there is so much more to be done.
Written by Lisa Worman, Proud Mom, Terry’s Team Member (cancer survivor) and Terry Fox Run Kelowna Volunteer Co-Chair
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