To the Editor:
I would like to thank Donna Wilson, the Thompson Citizen, and the people of Thompson for generously supporting CancerCare Manitoba Foundation during Breast Cancer awareness month. Your fundraising efforts throughout the month of October will support the work of CancerCare Manitoba Breast Cancer Centre of Hope. This organization is very important to me and many in our community.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2003; I remember the fears, and anxieties I experienced at the time. My family's love and support helped me get through the diagnosis and treatments. I also desired to connect with people who had gone through breast cancer. I appreciated receiving the support from people who had "been there."
I looked for information to help me understand what the oncologists were telling me. I had to make decisions at a time when I felt most vulnerable. I wish I would have known about the Breast Cancer Centre of Hope, where the nurse and the oncology social worker are there to discuss the options available.
In 2004, I became a community contact volunteer for CancerCare Manitoba Breast Cancer Centre of Hope. Now I work to link women in Thompson and in the surrounding communities of the BRHA region to resources available through CancerCare Manitoba.
I am here to walk along side people on their breast or gynaecological cancer journey. I help them to connect with the knowledge they need and provide guidance to empower and comfort them. The community contact program is completely funded by the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation through the generous donations of people like you.
Thank you.
Atalia HickeyThompson
