The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Michelle Belfry hasn't had it easy the last six years. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she was first diagnosed in 1999, and was quickly hospitalized for a mastectomy, followed by a year of aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She received drug therapy for the next five years, and celebrated her fifth year of being cancer-free on July 24, 2005. But that celebration was short lived. In September, she was diagnosed with a metastasis (spread of breast cancer) to the bone of her skull. She underwent treatment this year and recent preliminary tests have shown positive healing. In this season of renewal, Belfry is offering fresh hope to cancer victims by participating in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, benefiting the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. She will join thousands of dedicated women and men in Winnipeg, June 9-11. "I'm wanting to help others affected by it," Belfry said. "Cancer changes your life. "It's been quite a journey from shock to going through treatment and hoping things are okay," she explained. Belfry must raise a minimum of $2,000 in order to participate in this walk, but her personal goal is $5,000. She hopes she can exceed that amount. "I just want to make people aware of the development of this disease," Belfry said. "It's important to raise awareness for funding and get treatment." Participants in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer have the opportunity to make a difference in the fight and, collectively, an enormous impact on breast cancer research funding in the province. "I'm a pretty determined person," she said, of her pursuit to walk the distance. "I will be disappointed if I don't." Belfry knows she must be careful because of her health. "One doctor didn't want me to go through with it," Belfry said. "I felt that I could raise money even if I don't make it all the way." For Belfry, it's a weekend of hope "as we honour lives lost, celebrate survivors, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it." One in every nine Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Belfry will raise considerable money and awareness by pounding the pavement and participating in this weekend-long event to support breast cancer research, education, treatment and care. "I just felt this is something I want to do. I want to walk for family and friends who have breast cancer," Belfry said, as the disease runs in her family. "It will be a feeling of elation to do something to help others," Belfry said of what it will be like to accomplish her goal. Through everything she has endured, Belfry stays positive for two important reasons. "I stay positive because I have a husband and two kids I love. As long as I have them, I have that strength to do it," she said. The donation process is simple. Option 1: Log onto www.endcancer.ca Click on Weekend to End Breast Cancer, then Winnipeg. Next click on "Sponsor a Participant." Follow the directions to her "Personal Page." You can type Michelle Belfry or click on her name. Her Participant ID Number is 601429-0. If your donation is $10 or over, you will receive a tax deductible receipt. Option 2: Mail a cheque payable to Weekend to End Breast Cancer to: Michelle Belfry, Box 993, Flin Flon, MB, R8A 1N7. You will receive a receipt via e-mail or mail. Please include your e-mail and mailing addresses. Option 3: Look for KFC buckets at many of the local businesses in town, fill in a donation envelope and slip it into the container. A receipt will be forwarded to your e-mail or mailing address. "Every Step Brings Us Closer to a Cure"
