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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Early Bird Registration!


Have you registered for the 2012 Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series yet?
Early Bird registration ends on December 14th, hurry and register before then and not only will you receive a price savings BUT you will also be entered into a draw to win a new pair of
Tubbs Snowshoes!

What are you waiting for? Register today!

Have been squeezing your lemons ?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

2012 - Let's Stomp out Breast Cancer together!

Photo taken by Isis Photography - 2011 Tubbs Romp to Stomp

Early Bird Registration is open for the 2012 Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoes Series!
The event will take place on Saturday January 21st, 2012 at Scenic Caves.
Together we can and will stomp out breast cancer, one snowshoe step at a time!

Have you taken time lately to squeeze your lemons ?

Monday, October 3, 2011

We did it!!!!


Photo taken by Isis Photography
Cameron St. Public school receiving the top school award from former NHLer & Collingwood Run Site Honorary Chair Scott Thornton!


Congratulations Collingwood Run for the Cure!!!

It didn't matter that it was cold and windy in Collingwood yesterday, we still had over 800 participants come out, decked out in pink and ready to run / walk for a future without breast cancer! Our goal this year was reach ONE MILLION dollars in just 7 shorts years at the Collingwood Run for the Cure site, and we did just that!!! With our run day total of $162,044.32 we passed the ONE MILLION dollar milestone! Pretty outstanding for our small run site!

Huge thank you to my fantastic committee who have worked behind the scenes for the past year, all the donors, the volunteers who came out, the participants and the sponsors! Each one of you helped to make yesterday incredible!

On a personal note, two very exciting this for me yesterday. Reaching the ONE MILLION dollars was one of course! The other was the photo above, my daughter was the team captain of her elementary school team, and they won the school award!!! It was the first time a local Collingwood elementary school has ever won the award! Thanks to our Honorary Chair, former NHLer Scott Thornton who presented the kids with the award and posed for a photo with them!
Congratulations to Cameron St. School, and to all the other award winners as well. Crossfit Indestri, Boobitrons, The Hazellnuts!

CONGRATULATIONS on another very successful year Collingwood!

Squeeze those lemons !

Monday, September 26, 2011

Truly Honoured

I am TRULY honoured. As volunteers we don't do what we do to be recognized, we do it because we are passionate about whatever we are volunteering for. That being said, when someone does recognize you, it is a great honour and this morning I was extremely honoured to receive this video from Dr. Kellie Leitch, MP for Simcoe-Grey.
To be mentioned / thanked by Dr. Leitch during a House of Commons, well I am beyond honoured.

Thank you Dr. Leitch, and thank you for all the you are doing to raise awareness for breast cancer and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.




Don't forget, it doesn't take that long, squeeze your lemons ! Knowing your body can safe your life!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Close to her heart....



Dr. Kellie Leitch sends a message to our Collingwood Run for the Cure Site.
A cause that is very close to her heart, Dr. Leitch lost her mother to breast cancer in 1989.
On Sunday October 2nd, Dr. Leitch will join hundreds of participants at our Collingwood Run for the Cure Site.
While we all have our own personal stories about why we are there, we are all there for the same common goal. To create a future without breast cancer!

Thanks to Dr. Kellie Leitch our Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey for sending us this special message!

When was the last time you squeezed your lemons ?

Friday, September 16, 2011

A true inspiration....

Everyone has people in their life who they are truly inspired by, people that they are in awe of. One of those people in my life is Michele Smeh. Over the past couple years I have gotten to know Michele and I am honoured and proud to have her in my life and to call her my friend. I am sure that after you finish reading this you will be inspired by this incredible woman too!

It is now with great pleasure that I introduce you to a true inspiration, Michele Smeh....

Photo of Michele & her husband John Smeh - taken by Jeff White Photography


My name is Michele Smeh, I am 34 years old and this September, I will be a 6 year breast cancer survivor. I want to share with you how Crossfit Indestri has helped to change my life as well as why I feel that you should be running or walking on Sunday October 2nd in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

In 2005, a couple of weeks before my 29th birthday, I was diagnosed with stage I, grade III Breast Cancer. Just after my 29th birthday, I had a lumpectomy and then immediately went into chemo treatment for 6 months followed by a double mastectomy and several reconstructive surgeries. During all of this, I also found out that I am a BRCA1 gene carrier and will eventually have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed for preventative measures as I am at a high risk for ovarian cancer.


To look at me now you probably would never know what I have been through over the past 6 years. In fact, most people that know me don’t know that I still have the lymphoma in my right arm, which flares up constantly with strenuous workouts and that I require lymphatic drainage every once in a while. They might not be aware that I visit the oncology department a couple of times a year for regular screenings. And they don’t know, that because of breast cancer, I was left with hideous scars and numbness that I will have for the rest of my life. I no longer have any breast tissue, leaving me with absolutely no feeling and no sense of touch. Women are so hard on themselves as it is, so I can’t tell you that I didn’t think I was one of the strangest looking creatures. But, what I can honestly tell you is that I'm now OK with what was given to me and I am still here to talk about it.


Why am I telling you all of this? I’m not looking for pity nor do I want you to feel sad. I am sharing my story with you because I know right now there is someone reading this that is either going through something similar or knows someone that is facing a similar journey. Breast cancer affects each one of us – and we all have to learn how to live with the disease and how it impacts oneself and one another. Each journey is different, but in the end, it’s the same. We all share a common bond. I know how you feel. To hear the words, “you have cancer” is devastating and you feel that your life is over when those three little words are uttered.


I’m here to tell you – to show you – that IT’S NOT. When you learn you can make the best of it – it’s amazing. You, too, can pass along your story, your knowledge, your struggles and your compassion. It has taken me almost 6 years to realize this and I truly believe Crossfit Indestri is one of the major things has helped me get to this crucial stage.


In 2010, I saw an ad in the Collingwood paper about a new Crossfit gym and I decided to join, having NO idea what I was getting myself into. At first, I did not completely understand the concept, but I kept with it for a while, then stopped, I decided to try it again. I am now officially addicted. Since January 2011, I have been an avid Crossfitter and feel stronger every day, both mentally and physically. Not only is it a constant challenge, it continues to push me to be the best I can be. I feel the strongest and healthiest I have ever felt, Crossfit Indestri has been a huge part of my journey.


Never before have I been this ready to talk about my experiences – and I mean really talk about it. I want to get it out there. I want to let other young women know that there is a HUGE light at the end of this tunnel. It’s a process and there’s still a journey ahead of me – whether it’s more surgery, oncology screenings or my emotions. I’m here to tell you that I now feel so strong, so healthy, so beautiful – for the first time in YEARS.


So, please join me, my husband and my CROSSFIT INDESTRI team on Sunday, September 25th for a Family Fundraiser BBQ at Crossfit Indestri (23 Stewart Rd). Help raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. I very much look forward to meeting you and talking with you about Crossfit and our local run site.


Michelle Smeh, 34 year old breast cancer Survivor, Crossfit Indestri team captain and Collingwood Run for the Cure Community Outreach Coordinator.


Take a little time each month and squeeze your lemons ! Knowing your body could just save your life!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Collingwood's Honorary Chair Scott Thornton




A message from our first ever Collingwood Run for the Cure Site, Honorary Chair.
Former NHL Hockey Player Scott Thornton.

Scott and his team at Crossfit Indestri's are having a Family Fundraiser BBQ on
Sunday September 25th at 1pm.
Stop by Crossfit at 23 Steward Road, check out what Crossfit is all about, watch or participate in demonstrations, enjoy a BBQ, bid on silent auction items and more...
All the proceeds raised will go towards the Run for the Cure.


Have you squeezed your lemons lately?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Inspiring message



To be honest, I am not someone who has ever been heavily into politics BUT I do know that yesterday Canada lost a great leader and a greater man! Canada will truly miss NDP leader Jack Layton. A man who while facing the last couple days of his life wrote an inspiring letter to Canadians.

So moved by his letter I wanted to share a section of it with you.....

"To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer. "

I will leave you with the closing of his letter.... I hope that each of us can take something from his letter and maybe just maybe together we can change the world!

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."

If you have never squeezed your lemons it's time to start!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Sending our very best....


Shortly after I took over the role of Volunteer Run Director for the Collingwood Run for the Cure Site, I came to know Joanne. Joanne Fraraccio has been my 'go to girl' at the
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region for the past few years!
It is with mixed emotions that tomorrow comes!!
Joanne is moving on from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to embark on a new path.
I know Joanne will have great success in whatever she takes on, and on behalf of the Collingwood Run Committee & all the many participants at the Collingwood Run for the Cure site that Joanne has helped over the past few years, we wish you all the very best Jo!
Will miss having you as our run site lead! It has been an honour to work along side you for the past few years to ensure that the Collingwood Run site has successful runs year after year!
Best wishes Jo! xx

New month, remember to pick a date a SQUEEZE your lemons !

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

When the Universe Aligns...


This past April the Universe Aligned and I met the truly gorgeous Diana Charabin. The owner of an amazing Canadian company, Tiny Devotions and a women with an incredible spirit and outlook on life. On that day this past April as Diana sat in my kitchen giving me a private showing of some of her breathtaking Mala beads, we began a conversation about Tiny Devotions helping me to create a future without breast cancer.

A few months ago I did a blog post on this amazing company when they very generously donated one of their many gorgeous mala beads as a giveaway. Now I am extremely excited to share, that on Tuesday August 9th, Tiny Devotions will be donating 20% of the proceeds from all online sales to helping create a future without breast cancer.

Their energy, intentions and beauty is what drew me to them. I have quite a few in my collection now and I love and wear each one of them. The past little while however I have been loving my Transformation Mala and wearing it more often!
( Pictured here )

I have fallen head over heels for Tiny Devotions mala beads, and I have no doubt that you will too! I am encouraging you to go online next Tuesday,lovetinydevotions.com and tell your co-workers, your friends and your family. Share with everyone!

I can't thank Diana & Tiny Devotions enough for their support of this great cause, and I thank each and everyone of you who on Tuesday August 9th become part of two communities! The Tiny Devotions Community & the Community of 170,000 other Canadians who on Sunday October 2nd will walk, run, share tears of joy and some tears of sadness as we come together to create a future without breast cancer!


Don't forget to Squeeze your lemons !

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Introducing our Honorary Chair.....

We are extremely excited to introduce you to our Collingwood Run for the Cure Sites first ever
Honorary Chair........

Scott Thornton

I first met Scott a year ago after contacting him about doing one of the video shout outs for the blog, which he was more than happy to do. Scott & his family have been very supportive of our local Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation events, from the run to the romp. So this year when thinking of a Honorary Chair Scott was who came to mind and we couldn't be happier that he was interested in taking on the role.

After spending 18 seasons in the NHL, Scott, his wife Joelle and children Nash & Zoe moved to Collingwood / Blue Mountain. Scott opened Crossfit Indestri last fall, he now spends his days training other's in the gym and earlier this month Scott took part in his first ever Ironman in Austria which he completed in an amazing 11 hours and 38 mins, making him the fastest NHLer to ever complete an Ironman.

We are truly honoured to have Scott as our first ever honorary chair.

Tune in to The Chats program on 95.1 The Peak FM on Thursday July 28th at 9:00 am to hear Scott along with our Community Outreach Coordinator Michele Smeh ( who is also a member of Crossfit and the team captain for their Run for the Cure team ) Chat with John about the exciting Challenge that they have issued to ALL the other gyms / fitness clubs in the area.....


On Sunday October 2nd, Scott will be running for his Wife, his Daugher, his Mother....
For a future without breast cancer....
Who will your be running for?

If you haven't already, register for the Collingwood Run for the Cure today, and we will see you at Harbourview Park in Collingwood on Sunday October 2nd......

Take a little time to make sure nothing feels different.... Squeeze your lemons !

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Learn to run Clinic..



Click on the flyer to make larger...


Have you been thinking about or talking about taking up running but just haven't done it yet?
Maximum Physiotherapy is beginning a Learn to Run Clinic on July 25th.

10 Sessions on Monday Nights from 7-8pm

For just $95 before July 18th , $110 after July 18th you will be coached by Adam Palmer, Certified Kinesiologist and avid runner.

This is a fun way to get into better shape, enhance appearance and improve your physical and mental heath!

This clinic will work up to our Run for the Cure on Sunday October 2nd in Collingwood for those who are wishing to participant in it.

If you wish to register for the Learn to Run Clinic call 705-444-3600 or drop into Maximum.


Take a little time to squeeze your lemons at least once a month!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Dr. John Semple sends his appreciation to Collingwood

Last night we had the honour of having Dr. John Semple attend and speak at the 3rd Annual Information & Appreciation night for the Collingwood Run for the Cure site, held at Blue Mountain.

Dr. Semple is the Chief of Surgery at Women's College Hospital in Toronto and has been named the first Chair of Surgical Research for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region. It was wonderful to hear from Dr. Semple about how important our fundraising is and to be able to give us first hand knowledge as to how money that everyone works so hard to fundraise is truly helping to create a future without breast cancer.

Dr. Semple sends his Thanks to our Collingwood Run for the Cure Site.....





When was the last time you squeezed your lemons ?

Monday, July 4, 2011

Are you a REAL athlete?

Crossfit Indestri is issuing a challenge to all the fitness clubs / gyms...


Real athletes wear PINK!

At Crossfit Indestri they love a good competition, which is why they're issuing a challenge to all the other fitness clubs / gyms in the area...


Who can recruit the largest team & raise the most money by
Sunday October 2nd 2011?

Let's see who the REAL athletes are!

Photo was taken for Crossfit Indestri by Tempo Photography

Real athletes also know how important it is to know your body! Do you know yours? Make sure you remember to squeeze your lemons every month!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Save the Date.....


Thanks to Blue Mountain we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Information & Appreciation Night at Blue on
Tuesday July 12th from 7-9pm.

Invitations are being eblasted out shortly.
We look forward to seeing you on the 12th, when we will share the many benefits of your continued support.

Have you squeezed your lemons lately?

Monday, June 20, 2011

My number 1 Reasons....

Photo taken by Isis Photography @ the 2010 Run for the Cure
They have been my #1 reason for helping create a future without breast cancer.

2005 was when I first heard about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. That was the year that Collingwood became an official run site and having lost my father to cancer 2 years earlier I was wanting to find a way to get involved in the fight against cancer! I wanted to help make it so that no other child had to lose a parent to cancer. Having one daughter at the time, I thought this was the perfect way to start giving back, so I created a team. It was such a great experience that we did it again the following year, and the year after that, and so on...
( 2006 was a little different, as just 4 weeks before the walk/run my husband and I had our second daughter, even more of a reason now to want a future without breast cancer. )

2008 was the first year my husband took the girls for the 5 km walk on his own. That was the year I took over as the Volunteer Run Director for our Collingwood site. The Run for the Cure has become a huge part of our lives and our daughters lives.... Here's a little look back at my girls Run for the Cure experiences! Together these two amazing little girls have raised thousands of dollars for a future without breast cancer!



As the girls said, you can "Click to donate"....


This is a big year for our Collingwood Run Site, come Sunday October 2nd I have no doubt that we will be celebrating ONE MILLION dollars raised in just 7 short years! I am extremely proud to be part of that huge accomplishment and even prouder of my girls!

It's important to know if something doesn't feel right, the only way to do that is to squeeze your lemons !

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Rusty's is working to make it 3 for 3!

For the past 2 years our top corporate team has been Rusty's, and it looks like they could be trying to keep that title for a 3rd year!
Rusty's is hosting a Ladies Night this Friday June 17th...

"Beef Cakes for Breast Cancer"
Male Review

Doors will open a 9pm

Tickets are $25. with proceeds going to their team for 'Run for the Cure'

You can also head over to their facebook event page!

Don't forget to take a little time and squeeze your lemons !

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

25 years later....

You see this logo everywhere, from kleenex boxes and toilet paper to kitchen appliances and now even Visa cards. Maybe you even only buy certain products because this logo is on it, or maybe when your looking at products to buy you grab the one with this logo on it.

The logo is one we are all very familiar with.....

The logo I am referring to is that of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

We know that the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is responsible for raising awareness, education and funding research grants. We know that the mission of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is to create a future without breast cancer. But what most people don't know are the original faces behind the foundation. The core group that 25 years ago created this foundation to bring education and awareness to breast cancer.

It is my honour and pleasure to introduce to those women ( and man ) now...




Congratulations to Nancy Paul, Bette Johnston and their core group on the 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It is because of your original vision that we will create a future without breast cancer!

25 years ago people didn't speak about breast cancer, but 25 years later not only do we speak about it, but I am telling you to remember to squeeze your lemons !


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tiny Devotions



Sacred. That's the first word that comes to Diana's mind when she thinks of mala beads.

Diana Charabin is the owner of Tiny Devotions a Canadian based company that hand makes mala beads and a company that I have over the last month fallen head over heels in love with. I could share with you a longer story of how I stumbled upon this incredible company, but I will skip the story and just share with you Diana's own words from when we met 'the universe aligned' and that it did...

I had the pleasure of a personal visit from Diana where we sat in my kitchen and chatted for a couple hours between one of my dogs wanting her attention, and my daughters playing around. Diana is a gorgeous person she has an incredible spirit and outlook on life.

If you don't already know you are probably wondering what Mala beads are....
Let me introduce you to Diana....



I did a little Q & A with Diana about her mala beads.... You can find answers to more questions on the Tiny Devotions website along with more video's on how to take care of your mala's, etc.


Do you have to be into yoga & meditation to wear Mala beads?

Absolutely not. Mala beads are for everyone, although yogis are instantly drawn to mala beads, I have found that a lot of people no yet into yoga are also drawn to their energies. My hope is that owning mala beads may inspire them to create a yoga and or meditation practice in the future!

How do I choose which Mala bead is right for me?

Check out this post: http://www.lovetinydevotions.com/blog/how-to-choose-mala-beads/ I always saw follow your intention and your first instinct.

Do you think that we choose our mala or our mala chooses us?

I think we choose every aspect of our life... but I also believe in destiny... so perhaps a combination of the two ;)

Which Mala beads are the most popular?

All of them are really popular but are most popular at the moment is the turquoise ocean mala and the white jade highest potential mala.

So you have a favourite mala?

My favourites chance depending on the day, but I most often wear Black onxy - Strength.

How did you come up with the design for your Mala beads?

Every mala is a jorney, dreaming up the combination of stones and intentions. It's a magical process - sometimes its instant while others times it requires a lot of thinking, feeling and meditating.

I'm sure you have people tell you about many amazing experiences that they have had since purchasing your Mala's can you share the most amazing thing you have been told?

The coolest story was when a girl in Switzerland received a rose quartz mala from one of her friends. She had been trying to conceive for some time and was having a lot of problems. Rose quartz - although known for love can also be a good stone for infertility. This lovely lady called me from Switzerland crying telling me that she had become pregnant. It was a magical feeling.



I am incredibly excited to tell you that I received a package in the mail from Tiny Devotions today containing the Gorgeous Kiwi Jasper Mala pictured above. The Kiwi Jasper Mala - Cleanse and align Chakras. This mala facilitates shamanic journeys and recalls dreams. It absorbs negative energy and give protection, it will cleanse and align chakras and aura which in turn balance yin and yang.
A HUGE thank you to Diana ( Tiny Devotions ) for so generously donating this giveaway....

Visit the Freshly Squeezed facebook page for details on how you can win this gorgeous Mala bead...

Who knows why we are so drawn to certain things. Over the last month or so, I have become very interested in what we can do ourselves in our own lives to help possibly prevent illnesses and disease. Maybe that is why I am so drawn to these Mala beads, besides their beauty, they bring me a sense of calm and they remind me to take some time each day for me, even if just 5 mins.

I actually also have something very exciting in the works that ties in with my new found interest, I hope to be able to bring to light and share soon.....

I will leave you with this.... Check out Tiny Devotions, I think everyone should have their very own mala.... ( as I said, I have fallen head over heels for this company, so I may own a few now...)


It's important to take time to know yourself and your body, don't forget to Squeeze your lemons .....