2020 has been a year like no other and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the WonderBroads, like everyone else in the world have had to learn to participate and gather in this suddenly virtual world. Like all our dragon boat sister teams, we did not have a practice or race season but found safe ways to gather and stay active with zoom meetings, kayaking and fitness classes.
Our commitment to awareness and creating a future where no one fears breast cancer hasn't changed, so our team participated in this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure in a safe, fun and memorable way!
This run began with a small group of volunteers back in 1992 and this marked the beginning of what was to become Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led event in support of the breast cancer cause, the CIBC Run for the Cure.
Being committed to our community we engaged in the CIBC Run for The Cure day in an energetic way. We had the choice of gathering with a small group or individually. Some of us came together to walk together.
Although it rained on our parade, it didn't rain on our spirits! We posed for pictures for the local press with home made signs of the number of years we were survivors. We did this to inspire those battling the disease to emphasize that strong, active lives are possible after breast cancer. We have survivors on our team that range from 6 to 33 years! Some team members chose to walk individually but in spirit we were together!
We created avatars, raised funds and communicated online! Together our team placed in third place for raising $8619 with three of our team-mates being on the list of top 10 fundraisers in Windsor! WonderBroads love the challenge of competition and we may not have placed this year in a race but this year we were a force for life in the face of breast cancer!
Our funds were earmarked for metastatic breast cancer research which obviously is of special interest to us as survivors. We are advocates of more research in this area having lost several teammates to recurrence. We walked with their memories in our hearts!
Our team was proud to have a role in this Canada wide inspirational day not only to increase awareness and knowledge of metastatic breast cancer but to unite with an incredible collective of Canadians who joined together to give families, friends and supporters the opportunity to honour and celebrate their loved ones, and make a real difference.
Paddles up and walk on!
The Wonderbroads of Windsor Essex
