Just about everyone knows someone directly affected by Breast Cancer and that includes us here at Entertainment Tonight Canada. Two of our own staff who battled and beat the disease sat down with Cheryl Hickey to talk about their experience and share their inspiring stories. Here is some of what they had to say:
Valesca Cerski – Ingest Editor at ET Canada
I was lucky. Lucky that it was treatable; lucky that I have my family and my friends support; lucky that I have health insurance that cover the many medications; lucky that
Valesca with part of her support system, her sisters.
I have supportive supervisors and colleagues at work; lucky that I could keep working; lucky that I could take time off when needed (without any hassle); lucky that I didn’t get really sick during chemo; lucky that I’m cancer free for now. I do not take any of that for granted.
We all need support, especially when going through a challenging situation. And I had tons of it. Tons of it. So, if you
know someone going through this, and want to help, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a big gesture, sometimes everyday, small things can mean a lot. You can run, or like me, just walk.
Janelle Roberts – Production Accountant at ET Canada
Janelle with her husband Karim at “Kickbox for the Cure”
When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October 2008 my world changed in an instant. At 29 years old, cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. Suddenly my days became consumed with Doctors appointments, tests, treatments, and trying to learn as much as I could about a disease I knew absolutely nothing about.
At first I felt very alone in my fight, but I quickly connected with other women who were also fighting the disease. I realized that breast cancer does not discriminate and affects women young and old from every background. Looking back over the last 4 years I feel that cancer has taken a lot from me, but I am also grateful that it has given me the opportunity to meet some truly amazing friends – women who inspire me every day with their courage, strength, and resilience.
This year I will be running for my friends. The ones I have lost to cancer, the ones who are fighting, and the ones who have survived.
Even the weather couldn't dampen her spirits, Janelle ran the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC “Run for the Cure” last year and her supportive hubby was of course by her side.
The one thing that rings true from hearing Janelle and Valesca’s stories is that cancer can happen to anybody, which is why we’ve decided, as a team, to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC’s “Run for the Cure”; on September 30th. Everyone on our staff is getting involved either by running or walking or donating or cheering everyone on, and you can too!
Follow this link to donate to Team ET Canada and, to hear more from Janelle and Valesca, watch the video below.