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Airdrie women participate in Weekend to End Women's Cancers

More than a thousand women and men took to Calgary streets on July 24 and 25, walking together in the sixth annual Weekend to End Women’s Cancers benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation. About 1,114 participants raised more than $2.
Worthy weekend – Sabrina Oakey (right), her mom Jeannette Asmus and her eight-year-old son Nolan celebrate the mother/daughter team’s finish at the Weekend to End
Worthy weekend – Sabrina Oakey (right), her mom Jeannette Asmus and her eight-year-old son Nolan celebrate the mother/daughter team’s finish at the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers in Calgary, July 24-25.

More than a thousand women and men took to Calgary streets on July 24 and 25, walking together in the sixth annual Weekend to End Women’s Cancers benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

About 1,114 participants raised more than $2.7 million at this year’s event.

At least two of those women were from Airdrie. Sabrina Oakey and Shuna Talbot walked 60 kilometres through Calgary neighbourhoods and recreational areas, raising awareness and funds for breast and gynecologic cancer research, as well as patient care in Alberta.

Talbot was part of the Butterfly for Hope team, which raised about $94,000. She has taken part in the walk since its inception in 2004.

She was diagnosed with breast and lymph node cancer in 2001.

“I was shell shocked when I found out (about the cancer) but I wanted to be there for people who had just been diagnosed to show them you can come out on the other side,” she said.

“We have to keep working towards ending cancer once and for all and everybody should do their part.”

Talbot said it is almost impossible to describe the atmosphere of the event.

“It is really emotional to be part of something so big,” said the 47-year-old.

“You feel such a sense of accomplishment and all the love and support because, as a survivor, all of those people are walking for you and your ongoing survival. It is a good feeling to see there are so many of us that are still here. It’s almost therapeutic.”

Talbot said although the two-day, 16-hour trek was challenging, the event took more of an emotional toll than a physical one.

“Going through all of this has taught me to live life to the fullest,” she said.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is a lot like going to your own funeral without being dead. It’s amazing the effect you have on people around you just by being ordinary.”

Oakey has taken part in the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers for five years, but a scare with breast cancer two years ago made the event even more personal for her.

“I thank my lucky stars because within a day, I knew it was nothing to worry about,” she said. “It was a very powerful experience.”

Oakey, who walked with her mom Jeannette Asmus, said the feeling of comradery at the event is what keeps her coming back.

“You see daughters walking for their moms, girlfriends walking for each other and you hear lots of stories,” she said.

“The spirit of the event is the best part. It is about the power of women and seeing people get through a tough stint. Despite walking for 16 hours, everyone was so positive, happy and generous. We all had the attitude that we are going to find a cure and we are going to make a difference.”

The mother/daughter team raised $6,000.

“The Weekend was built on the courageous efforts of everyday people,” said Linda Mickelson, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

The Foundation was established to advance cancer research province-wide and directly support Alberta’s 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

“A huge thank you to everyone participating in this year’s Shopper Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers,” said Mickelson.

“These walkers and their donors are heroes to thousands of women and families right across Alberta.”

“The weekend is for people wanting to be part of a powerful movement for cancer-free lives,” said Dr. Tony Fields, vice-president of Cancer Care for Alberta Health Services.

“Thanks to their efforts, cancer specialists and researchers at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre have the resources and tools they need to focus on discoveries and innovative treatments that will impact all women’s cancers.”

Prior to the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, the Alberta Cancer Foundation provided roughly $300,000 annually for breast cancer research in Alberta. Thanks to outstanding participant and donor support, the Weekend funding has resulted in the investment of over $22 million into breast and gynecologic cancer research and programming in just five years.

“We don’t believe a cancer-free future is just possible, we believe it’s inevitable,” said Mickelson. “When we get there, depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.”


Airdrie Today Staff

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