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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Inspiring and amazing people!



I have to tell you that since becoming one of the Run Director's for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Collingwood, I have met lots of truly amazing people.

One of those people I met this past October. Her name is Margaret Stuart. I randomly send out emails to some participants really to just introduce myself and let them know how grateful we are for their support of this great event. This is how I met Margaret, on September 28th of this year I sent her an email letting her know I was one of the Volunteer Run Directors, and thanking her for being a part of our run site for the first time. Margaret's name had come up on my run reports as one of the top fundraisers from out of nowhere one day, I also noticed on her page that she had just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months before, so I expressed to her how truly sorry I was. I heard back from Margaret the following day, and honestly, I have shared a part of her email with many people. I was in aw of what she said. Margaret told me how she was having her second surgery the following week, then she said....

"As I have mentioned to my supporters, one absolutely has to look for positives - like a great surgeon, husband, my understanding and caring staff at work, a wonderful community like Collingwood (unfortunately, we are only part time residents), and we have 2 large comical dogs, who keep me laughing with their constant antics."

I thought to myself, here is this woman, who has breast cancer and it's horrible and scary and she is telling me that you have to forget all that and look at the positives in your life! Which is true! But I was amazed and I couldn't wait to meet her in person!!

I met Margaret the day before the run at the run site, while we were setting up she came down to pick up her team kits. She was so excited about running the next day. Margaret had told me in emails how she was a runner, she had never taken part in this event before, so she was excited to do so. I stood there talking to Margaret and her husband and I was incredibly excited for what the following day would bring. The feeling of run day is like nothing else, it's empowering, emotional, the air truly feels electric. I couldn't wait for Margaret to stand side by side with men, women, children, other Survivors, and to know that they were all there for the same reason. Running, walking, volunteering, all for a future without breast cancer!
I have to tell you that when it came time for awards I was so excited, because the first Survivor that had crossed the finish line was MARGARET! One of the prizes she received for crossing the finish line was donated to our run site from Tubbs Snowshoes. A brand new pair of snowshoes. I have kept in touch with Margaret since the run, I am also on the organizing team for the 2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp out breast cancer snowshoe series, as you can see from the blog now having changed gears. Margaret is now looking forward to taking part in the Tubbs Romp to Stomp. Of course is all depends on what stages her treatments are at come Feb 19th. But she already has a team of people who want to take part with her and is trying to decide between a couple different fun team names.

I heard from Margaret a few weeks ago and that is when I decided to write this blog post. Margaret shared with me that she had been featured in iRun Magazine! Congratulations to Margaret, it is an amazing article and I strongly suggest you take a moment to read it! Margaret thank you for your amazingly positive outlook on life!

Come out and join us @ Scenic Cave on Saturday February 19th @ 11am and let's all strap on some snowshoes and Stomp out breast cancer together!

Remember to take a little time to SQUEEZE THOSE lemons!






( Photo was taken by Isis Photography at the 2010 Run )



Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Joining you at the Romp....




We have some really exciting news for you! Joining you at the Tubbs Romp to Stomp in February will be a couple of Pro Athlete's! That's right.

Toronto Argonauts #65 Taylor Robertson will be stomping it out with you and our warm up this year will be lead by Former NHL Hockey player Scott Thornton.

Together let's STOMP out breast cancer!

How often are you squeezing your lemons?

Friday, November 12, 2010

2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp - Register Today!!!




Registration for the 2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp out breast cancer snowshoe series is OPEN! Don't wait, register today to come and be part of the 4th year of this exciting event, we are the only Stomp site in Canada! On Saturday February 19th 2011 @ Scenic Caves in the Town of the Blue Mountains...

Together we will STOMP out breast cancer!

It's time, get off the computer and SQUEEZE YOUR

lemons

!






Thursday, October 28, 2010

FRESHLY SQUEEZED & the 2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp


FRESHLY SQUEEZED will now be bringing you updates on the 2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp
"out breast cancer" snowshoe series in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Stay tuned to tons of exciting blog posts and details coming soon..... In the mean time, registration is open for the 2011 event which is happening on Saturday February 19th 2011 at Scenic Caves in the Town of the Blue Mountains! Come and join us.....

Have you squeezed lemons since my last post?

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Sunday's Special Moments Captured.....




Isis Photography shares the special moments at Sunday's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.


Monday, October 4, 2010

YOU are INCREDIBLE!


CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who took part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure at our Collingwood Run Site yesterday. Whether you were Running, Walking, Sponsoring, Donating or Volunteering, all of YOU helped to make a HUGE difference.

Over $178,000 was raised at our Collingwood Run Site alone yesterday!

I am so PROUD to one of the Run Directors for this fantastic event and so proud of our Collingwood Run Site. We may be a small run site, but we are mighty!!! And we have been proving just that, year and year!

I want to personally Thank each of YOU. Everyone who was involved.... I want to Thank all of the Participants who come year after year and those who experienced their very first CIBC Run for the Cure yesterday. The Team Captains who put so much into each of their teams, all the donors who support someone, all of the volunteers who truly help to make the event run smoothly, I want to thank Mariane McLeod for being a fabulous MC, Sacha Law for singing the National Anthem for us, Foundation Board Member Christy Teasdale for her opening remarks, as well as CIBC Rep Larry Tomei, Hon. Helena Guergis & Mayor Chris Carrier, all of our local sponsors who help to make our site FABULOUS! Who are.....
  • Town of Collingwood, Crozier & Associates, Blue Mountain, Hanna Motors, Park Sign, Isis Photography, mycollingwood.ca, Georgian Life, Escarpment Magazine, On The Bay Magazine, The Peak FM
  • and a special Thank you to our friends of the run, Panache Design Works, Storage Mart, Barrette’s, Soundscapes Dj, Lafreniere Auto Sales, C&H Security, St. John's Ambulance, ASM Marketing, 97.7 The Beach, Quench Buggy, Collingwood Gymnastics Club, Darlene Smith, Balloon Expressions, Toronto Ski Club....
I want to especially thank my Collingwood Run Committee made up of a truly fantastic group of people, who have been behind the scene's for 8 months, some 12 months working on making yesterday a fantastic day for all.

My team includes......

My Co Run Director Jason Ruttan
Teams Coordinator Michelle Federer
Route / Site Coordinator Todd Elsley
Media Coordinator Steph McLarty
Volunteer Coordinator Jenn Lavers
Co Community OutReach Coordinators Michele Smeh & Danielle Lafreniere
Registration Coordinator Avalon Molloy
Stewardship Coordinator Amanda Barron
CIBC Co Run Champions David MacLeod & Barb White

Last but certainly not least I want to thank all of the Survivors who came out to our event. Each of you are extremely special people and you have forever touched the lives of someone there yesterday. I met some fantastic ladies this weekend. So many, but Mrs. Wong ( who was our Survivor speaker yesterday ) you are an amazing woman! I Thank you for sharing your journey with our run site, and your amazing daughter Samantha who is an incredible young lady! Thank You.

Congratulations to each of the award winners at our run site.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Please keep squeezing those lemons.






( Photo was taken by me )
(( I hope I didn't forget to mention anyone... It's been a long and busy weekend... ))

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Together we WILL create a future without breast cancer!


While there is only a week left before the big day, there is still tons of time to register, to join a team, to create a team, and to fundraise! Remember that no amount is too small or too big!
Start this week.......
Give up buying your morning coffee for the week and make it instead, then donate that money... Or set a jar on your desk at work and collect change for the week.... It all makes a huge difference.

After months and months and months of planning it's hard to believe we are down to the final week before the run/walk....
I could not be more proud of our Collingwood Run Site. This is my 3rd year as one of the Volunteer Run Directors for this great event, and I am reminded over and over again how truly amazing people are. From the people who I am honoured to sit on a committee with, to the Participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers who all make this fantastic event what it is. I TRULY Thank each and every one of you. Together we ARE making a difference, together
we WILL create a future without breast cancer!

On Sunday October 3rd 2010 WHO WILL YOU BE RUNNING FOR? Join us at Harbourview Park in Collingwood and help us create
a future without breast cancer!

Keep SQUEEZING your lemons !







( Photo taken @ 2009 Run by the amazing talents of Isis Photography )

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Even the Cast & Crew of a hit TV show are shouting it! SQUEEZE YOUR LEMONS!!!


I have been chatting with these two truly AMAZING people from most of the summer. I can not tell you how truly excited I am to share this with you, and I can't thank them enough for doing this for me! While we have had a few issue in being able to download and post this video, it is all good now! I am beyond excited to share with all of you.....








Two of the Stars of the hit TV show One Tree Hill..... Austin Nichols & Sophia Bush!

You can also CLICK HERE to see this AMAZING shout out to our Collingwood Run Site on Sophia's blog!

Austin & Sophia have not only done this video for me showing support for this great cause, but they are also raising a ton of money for the Gulf by creating their own fundraisers. So Please check out their Crowdrise pages where they are raising money for Run for the Gulf, Austin & Sophia are running a Half Marathon in November!

Thanks so much guys! You are truly truly amazing!
Follow Austin & Sophia on Twitter as well!

Now you have heard it from the Cast & Crew of One Tree Hill people! SQUEEZE YOUR lemons!!!!!







If you wish to register for the run or find out more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation visit the website HERE!

How do men look in PINK? Let's see shall we....





How lucky are we Collingwood..... First ET Canada Host Cheryl Hickey, followed Juke Kartel's Toby Rand, then former NHL Hockey Player Scott Thornton, and now........ Breakfast Television's Frank Ferragine!

Want to send a HUGE Thank You to Frank for sending this video message, and for showing us just how good he looks in PINK!!!

Have you been getting to know your lemons?







New Powersong - For me right now I have two that I am loving - Dynamite by Taio Cruz as well as My Baby by Juke Kartel

Sunday, September 12, 2010

A former NHL'er Congratulates YOU.....









Once again I am extremely excited to share with you a personal message for our Collingwood Run Site.

A huge Thanks to Scott Thornton who after 18 seasons in the NHL, now resides in the Collingwood area and has just opened a new gym here on Stewart Road, Crossfit Indestri. Can't thank Scott enough for taking some time to meet with me so we could record this message for all of you!

Have you registered for the 2010 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure? If not, register today. Together we can create a future without breast cancer!

Are you squeezing your lemons?



Friday, September 10, 2010

Team T-Shirt Deadline .....


Well it's hard to believe that we are just about done the first week of back to school! That means that we are just 23 days away from the 2010 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. If you haven't already registered now is the time, what are you waiting for?

A reminder that the Team T-Shirt deadline is fast approaching as well. Next Friday September 17th is the deadline to have at least 10 team members fully registered. "Fully registered" means that they have either paid the $40 reg. fee or they have raised $150. This deadline is only to have your team name printed on the back of the t-shirt! You can still have team members join and still raise money. For any questions on this please contact Michelle Federer our Teams Coordinator for the run @ teams_collingwood@cbcfrun.org

Good luck with your fundraising over the next 23 days and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday October 3rd when together we will do what we can to create a future without breast cancer.
Have you squeezed those lemons lately?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Breast Cancer does NOT discriminate......


We are only 32 days away from the 2010 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Have you registered yet?

We all have our own reason for being involved in the run, whether we are the organizing committee, runners, walkers, volunteers or donors, this event means something special to each of us.

I saw this story yesterday and it broke my heart. Breast Cancer should not happen to anyone, but a young girl, come on really! I have two daughters, Emma just turned 7 and Hannah will turn 4 next week, I could not imagine finding a lump on either of them!! That is just what happened to Aleisha's mom Melanie, when she Aleisha was just 2 1/2!! That's right, I said 2 and a half years old!
Aleisha is a 4 year old Breast Cancer Survivor! So incase you don't have your own reason to get involved read Aleisha's story, cancer doesn't care, cancer does NOT discriminate, it does care what colour we are, or how much money we make, and after reading Aleisha's story it does care what are age is either!

So please come out on Sunday October 3rd 2010 to Harbourview Park in Collingwood and Walk, Run, Volunteer, Donate, Let's create a future without breast cancer together! Register now, what are you waiting for?

I have said it before, and today post proves it! You are NEVER too young to start squeezing your lemons ! Know your body! Squeeze your lemons !



( Photo taken by Isis Photography @ the 2009 Information Night at Blue )

Monday, August 23, 2010

12 Things you can do to support the health of your lemons from Dr. Shelby Worts ND....


Local Nathuropathic Doctor Shelby Worts shares with us ......

12 Things you can do to support the health of your lemons:
Consume a diet rich in dark green leafy and other colourful vegetables, fibre, legumes, and whole grains
Minimize your intake of dairy and red meat
Avoid simple sugars, alcohol and caffeine
Choose organically-grown products
Consume protein sources from fish, seafood, nuts and legumes (incl. soy products) in moderation
Take time each day to address your needs
Reduce your exposure to estrogens; Eg. birth-control pill, hormone-replacement therapy, excess fat (in foods and as body tissue) and soft plastics
Choose glass storage containers over plastic and never microwave plastics; containers nor wrap
Wear a bra only when you absolutely have to; use underwire only if essential
Develop assertiveness and release anger & deep resentment
Perform a regular breast self-examination; begin at home after an exam by your doctor when you know your breasts are healthy. Explore the breast tissue with your fingers (as instructed by your doctor) and simply become familiar with how healthy tissues feel. Following this approach you will soon be comfortable with the regular investigation (weekly; monthly at the least) and able to detect any abnormality, should it arise. The shower is a great place to perform your exam as the water provides a low-friction surface for your fingers to slide over your skin.
Regular, pleasurable exercise; make time for play!
Did you know? Elevated insulin (a hormone secreted by your pancreas in response to dietary sugars) is a greater risk factor for breast cancer than elevated estrogens. Eating a diet low in simple sugars and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, fibre) can help stabilize your blood sugar and decrease the demand for insulin.
If you suspect that you may have breast cancer be sure to contact your medical or naturopathic doctor as soon as possible.
Squeeze your lemons!
Dr. Shelby Worts, BSc, ND , Naturopathic Doctor , 115 Hurontario St, Suite 200 , Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L9
t: 705.444.8300
www.shelbywortsnd.com

Thanks to Shelby for sharing this with us...

You heard it from Shelby as well, SQUEEZE THOSE lemons!







( Photo of Shelby was done by Isis Photography )

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Follow up to : An AMAZING Story about Life, Love & Cancer


I lost my father to cancer almost 7 years ago. He was 4 days shy of his 56 birthday. One thing that has stuck with me since the night he died, was something his Doctor said to my family. An amazing Doctor who went above and beyond. Dr. Quigg stood in my parents dining room, which was filled with my family, my Aunt's and Uncles, etc. and he said " It isn't the number of years you live, but it's the life you live in those year! And I know Tom lived a fabulous life, just look around this room and see how much love there is, some people live 80 or 90 years and never experience that much love and live life the way he did. "

While I didn't know Meghan, I feel this must also ring true for her as well. To have your husband devote his life to completing your list of life goals. It's inspiring! Meghan's dreams and wishes will still come true because Adam is doing them for her. These are all dreams and wishes that they would be doing together as husband and wife, so it's not a huge stretch for Adam to be completing them, BUT the respect I have for Adam, to be able to take on this knowing how unfair it is that Meghan's not physically beside him each step of the way! Adam you truly are an amazingly brave man!

For those who didn't read my first blog post on Meghan and Adam in June.... I came across a Blog at the end of May called The Bees Knees it was a blog about a woman who was battling breast cancer, and her journey, an incredibly brave and bold blog. I noticed that the most recent blog posting were being signed off by Adam, not Meghan. I began to read more....

Meghan Baker Warner lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 28, 1 day shy of her 1 month wedding anniversary to Adam Warner. As you found out in my first blog on them, Meghan was a list maker, she had a list of life goals that she would add too. Not 10 minutes after his wife passed away, Adam decided he was going to take over her list and complete it for his wife. And for the past few months that is just what he has been doing. Adam just completed a train trip across Canada last week. Check out The Bees Knees for his blog post about his journey on the train.

I sent Adam some new questions about how things have been going over the past few months...

Q: Adam we first chatted via email back at the end of May, that was just before you started you journey on completing Meghan's life goals. How has the things been going?

A : Things have been going well, I’ve actually completed a couple of Meghan’s goals and it feels like this thing is actually moving after so many months of planning.

Q: I'm looking at the list now, there are two goals that have stuck out to me since I first saw her lists. The first you completed together #5 on the new goals, ( Get Married ) which you and Meghan did on March 28th 2010. The second is #12 on the new list, To travel to Ireland with her father.

Is this something that you and Meghan's dad have now talked about doing together?

A: We’ve actually talked a lot about doing that trip. We’re hoping to do it next summer and have expanded it to our families. We really want to turn it into a big celebration for Meghan while we’re there.

Q: Will your families be taking part in any of the goals on the list with you?

A : Definitely. Its often hard to keep track of who is doing what, where and with whom but its definitely important to include our families in this. Family was really important to Meghan and I know it means a lot to everyone to continue to experience Meghan through some of her goals.

Q: I know you are in the midst of taking the train across Canada which was a goal on Meghan's list. How has that trip been?

A: The trip has been really great. I highly recommend taking the train, its super comfy and relaxing and a great venue for some soul searching and deep thought.

Q: Since we did our first blog together Meghan's story has been in the Toronto Star, you have done many interviews, how does it feel to know that Meghan's words are being shared and touching so many people? And possibly even getting more young women to realize that Breast Cancer can effect a woman at any age, so it's important to know your body...

A: Its really great. This is exactly what I wanted to happen. Meghan would be so happy to know that she continues to help and change people’s lives in many different ways. Its comforting to me knowing that she can still encourage and offer advice and raise awareness.

Q: Together you and I have chatted and the I have changed my team name for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure to For the love of Meghan, we have made the team a National Team so any run site across Canada and choose to have a team in honour of your wife, what do you want the people of those teams to know about Meghan as they take part in the run/walk on Sunday October 3rd 2010?

A: Have fun with it. Meghan would (and did) have a blast at the race she took part in. These runs are about triumph and inner strength, know that you’re part of something much bigger and much more connected.

Here is a reminder of Meghan's list of Life Goals.....

So.... here we go- (Thursday, September 10, 2009)
Life Goals...

1) To hold a PhD, I'm not too picky on what it is going to be in. The way I am going though, I think it's bound to be nursing.
2) To learn another language. I've got a head start on Korean and French, I just need to get motivated enough to do it.
3) To master at least one of the following musical instruments - cornet, cello, piano, or guitar.
4) To live in at least 5 different countries - So far I've only got Canada and Korea. I'm assuming that I will have United States in the near future (preferably San Fran, DC, Portland and Maine). I'm thinking somewhere in Europe and in South America?
5) To run a half marathon. I've a lot of training to do though, seeing as the 5km I ran today was far from easy.
6) Spend at least 100 hours volunteering. (Note*** So far I'm up to 40h :))
7) Master the following- sewing, knitting & crocheting (Note*** on my way with knitting/sewing, kinda sorta)
8) Become part owner of a Bed & Breakfast (with Adam)
9) Travel to 30 countries. I'm at 7 now.
10) Read at least 12 books a year until I die (Textbooks NOT included).
11) Complete 'The Weekend to End Breast Cancer' 60km walk in Toronto. Sept 11-12.
12) Own a little cottage by a lake.

New Goals-
1) Take the train across Canada
2)
Go to an NHL game (don't really care where, I just want to go)March 6th in Ottawa
3) Make Peter take me (and friends) to a Blue Jays game... I don't really have any interest in baseball, but I think it would be fun.
4)
Go to the Symphony. Feb 20th in Toronto
5)
Get married (hahaha, um... no pressure Adam) March 28th in Petrolia
6) Go to Canada's Wonderland with my friends/family
7) Take a road trip back to Maine
8) Go snowshoeing
9) Go ice-skating on the Rideau Canal
10) Get my darn tooth fixed
11) Get some darn shiny nice new glasses
12) I've always wanted to go to Ireland with my father... it's been a dream of mine since I was just a little girl. My father has been, and he loved it. I would love to share this with him while I still can. I don't think I'm ready to let go of this dream yet.
13) See the northern lights.
14) Travel to India to volunteer in orphanages.

Please check Meghan's blog The Bees Knees for yourself. I know you will be inspired not only by Meghan's words but now by Adams. I named my first blog on them An Amazing story about life, love and cancer. Because it is! In fact I have been so moved by their story that I decided to talk to Adam about doing a National team for the CIBC Run for the Cure. Adam will be in India at the time of the run, completing another check on the list of life goals, so I decided to change my team name to For the love of Meghan. It's a National team now, so any run site can have a team in Meghan's honour. In fact I encourage it! Meghan's words have touched so many already and they should be shared by so many more! If you want more information about how to join my team in Collingwood, or have a For the love of Meghan team at your run site, please contact me.... jnichol@cbcf.org

I am truly honoured to be able to share their story with you. Wishing Adam all the best on his upcoming trip to India. The love you have for your wife truly shows Adam.
I will once again ask each of you to take a few moments to check out The Bees Knees.... Oh and Please tune in to 95.1 The Peak FM on Thursday August 19th @ 9am to hear Adam speaking with John Nichols on the CHATS program! Here about Meghan from Adam himself!

Ladies, we are never to young to start squeezing our lemons! So squeeze away!






( Photo from the facebook page For the Love of Meghan. )