Dear Friends/Relatives May 2014
What exciting news I have to tell you! I can’t believe it was 10 years ago in February that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being the 10th anniversary I thought it would be a fun challenge to join The Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 14 & 15 from Vancouver BC to Seattle, Washington, which is about a 200km ride.
Ten years ago, I registered for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I walked 60 km in two days. Amazingly family, relatives, friends and even strangers donated over $2,000 in 3 months.
On the first day of that weekend I joined two women for the 35km walk, at lunch time I wasn’t feeling well and I told them to go on without me. Just after 5:30pm, I finished with only 9 walkers behind me. I saw 2 ASL interpreters applauding for me with their hands waving high. I was so pleased and overwhelmed. I had dinner, went home for a soak in the hot tub, then back to the tent to sleep at night. I had a lot of trouble sleeping. After some medication and some sound sleep for a few hours, I woke Sunday feeling terrific and had a lot of energy. I joined the same women again for 25km, but one of them was having trouble walking. The friend and I helped her. Many people cheered for us and we finished in the middle of the pack. What an AWESOME experience I had and it was special to honor lost loved ones and those of us who are survivors.
Three months ago, I began training for this new challenge and I have just bought a new hybrid bike and a helmet. I have been riding about 200-300 kms a week and working out to prepare for this exciting event.
Now and before the event, I can put names of survivors and deceased loved ones on my bike uniform to honor and remember them. Besides myself, I have cousins, aunts, a grandfather, my step-sisters father, and many friends who have fought this disease.
As a participant in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, I’ve committed to riding for two days! I am riding with my cousin’s team and with thousands of other people. As you can imagine, cycling that far is not going to be a simple feat for me. I am excited that I can finally do something in this big fight against cancer.
I know you understand why this is so important to me and know why I’m asking for your financial support. My goal is to raise $2,500 which is a requirement to participate and I really hope you’ll help me and donate what you can. I have contributed $100 dollars through the website.
It’s a simple process to donate to me online, at conquercancer.ca. You’ll also find a printable donation form on my webpage, if you’d prefer that. Many thanks for your participation in The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
God bless,
Donna Russell
Participant Number 283119-6
