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Breast cancer turned my life around, says survivor

Kathy Beck shared her story at CIBC Run for the Cure launch

For Kathy Beck, being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer this past spring was a blessing, not a curse.

She saw it as an opportunity to change her life and generally take better care of herself. After making an effort to reduce stress and eat better, she's lost 40 pounds.

Beck — who had her final chemotherapy treatment last week — was also an active participant in her cancer treatments, asking questions and doing everything she could to mitigate side effects.

“I don't hate my cancer,” she said. “In fact, I love it. It has turned my life around. I feel better than I have in 10 years. I am happier, healthier and more blessed. I truly enjoy every day that God has given me and live it to the fullest.”

Beck was the guest speaker at the Tuesday launch of the CIBC Run for the Cure, which takes place Oct. 2.

She'll also share her story on run day, and she's assembled her own team of supporters, Team Fight Like a Girl, that will participate in the run.

Beck said she's all for events that raise awareness to prevent breast cancer and help those who already have it.

This year marks the 19th CIBC Run for the Cure in Sudbury.

Since 1998, the Sudbury area has raised more than $3.4 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, which is invested in breast cancer research and education.

Last year, 600 people took part in the Sudbury walk, and brought in about $106,000.

“Run day is just an absolutely amazing experience,” said run director Justin Burns. “Just to see the sea of pink leave at the start line all at once, it's just amazing to see the support our community has.”

The run's launch was held at Cambrian Ford, which has been sponsoring the Sudbury event since the beginning. Employees at the car dealership held a fundraising barbecue for the cause.

As the event's name would imply, CIBC is the national sponsor of CIBC Run for the Cure.

Alex Baboulas, general manager of CIBC in Sudbury, said breast cancer “is a cause that is very close to our hearts at CIBC” because it affects so many Canadians.

“Over the past two decades, we've helped to change the face of breast cancer, to remove stigma and create a movement that brings Canadians together in support of friends, family, loved ones who have experienced breast cancer,” he said.

Registration for the Sudbury run starts at 8 a.m. Oct. 2 at Cambrian College, with the run itself beginning at 10 a.m. Click here to sign up.


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Heidi Ulrichsen

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