Come What May: Pink Million

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Pink Million - My Story

Five years ago, I was living in Toronto. My good friend and coworker, Cindy came to work and announced that her sister, Tracy had found a lump in her breast. I brushed it off and assured her it was nothing as I had also found a lump in the past. It turned out to be just a cyst and I was sure that’s what Tracy had as well. When the news came back that it wasn’t a cyst, we were all shocked.

Tracy was 32 when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She had a 3 year old daughter, Julia that she turned to and said, “Mommy’s going to get better for you”.

Her friends and family rallied around her; we marched in several Breast Cancer walks and raised thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer research and therapy. Tracy underwent radiation and chemotherapy and was eventually announced Cancer-free. She was well enough to return to work and went on several vacations. She even travelled to Las Vegas in 2007 to see her little sister, Cindy get married. It was a joyous crazy Irish wedding and Tracy seemed to be having a wonderful time. I even taught her then 5 year old daughter how to order a Shirley Temple from the bar!

In 2008 I received a call from Toronto: the Cancer had returned and this time it was in her brain. Again, Tracy underwent therapy, but the Cancer was too strong. It eventually spread to her lungs and in October 2009, Tracy lost her battle with Cancer. She left behind a seven year old daughter, a husband, a sister, brother-in-law, nephew and her parents. At the funeral, there was a slideshow of pictures of Tracy’s life; she was smiling in every single one. Her family put on a brave face and thanked everyone for coming. After everyone left, Cindy broke down, “It’s just not fair” she cried. “She was so so sick”.

I think that summed it up. It wasn’t fair. At 37, Tracy had left us. The Cancer had won.

Tracy is not the first person to die from Cancer. She won’t be the last. But one day I want to hear children ask, “what Was Cancer?” One day…

Some of Tracy’s friends have started a blog: Terrific Thoughts of Tracy. They use it to tell Julia stories about her Mom. I dare you to read it and not cry.

Julia at the Weekend to End Breast Cancer 2006

The weekend to End Breast Cancer 2006 - Tracy in Pink

Pink Million is a campaign started by my friend Trevor. Trevor lost his Mom to Breast Cancer 10 years ago this month. The premise is simple: there are millions of people on Facebook and other social networking sites; if we can get 100,000 of them to donate just $10 each, then we can reach our goal of raising One Million Dollars! All funds will go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society to help fund breast cancer research, prevention and support.

Please join the cause and donate your $10. Also, please feel free to share your stories.

This weekend, the Pink Million team will be in Yaletown at Helmcken & Hamilton accepting donations and creating a Street of Hope. Come to the tent and fill out a hope tag with your words of hope and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you there!