IronWOman for Anne

IMMT 2012 finish line
Ms. Mira Miller-Couillard Goal: $5,000.00 Achieved: $2,817.00 Make a gift!

On November 30, 2012 my Aunt Anne passed away just less than one year from the time she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

My aunt was an amazing woman and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend special occasions with her as a child and regular visits with her as an adult. Throughout my life she has provided me with support, understanding, encouragement and always a positive way to see any situation. When I heard that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I felt a need to do something to give back to her in a way that could help facilitate positive change, something she has always done when faced with any kind of challenge.

On August 19, 2012 I raced my first full Ironman race at Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada. Fondly renamed ironWOman for Anne, I did what I could to raise awareness and money to try to make a difference.  There were days that I didn't feel like training or going the miles. There were times that mid run or bike I reminded myself that I actually had a choice with my journey and kept going because I could. There were days that I had to stop to catch my breath while I fought back tears hoping somehow that if I kept running I could keep her alive. Anne saw the video of me crossing the finish line, which was amazing as it was uncertain that she would still be here to celebrate the end of my journey.  

Sadly, Anne lost her incredibly brave fight. But I will continue to raise awareness and funds where possible because I know that every single step and dollar counts and eventually we can get there. I hope you will join me by reading this very important information, sharing it with others and helping to make a difference. There is power in knowledge and strength in numbers.

This coming year, thousands of Canadians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told there is little hope for survival. I have chosen to join Pancreatic Cancer Canada in their fight to SAVE LIVES by raising funds to support research that focuses on detecting pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage and improving treatment options. It could have made a difference to my Aunts Anne and Rochelle who both lost their battles with pancreatic cancer. 

Of all forms of cancer, pancreatic is the most lethal. There is no prevention, no early detection and limited treatment options. People are shocked to learn that pancreatic cancer claims nearly as many lives each year as breast and prostate cancer yet remains somewhat of an underdog, underfunded and misunderstood. A landmark report from the non-profit institute, Charity Intelligence Canada, cited pancreatic cancer as the most seriously underfunded cancer, receiving less than 1% of research and charitable funding.
Unlike other cancers, the survival rate has not improved in the last 40 years and it remains the only cancer with a 5-year survival rate still in the single digits at 6%. You can help change this statistic by joining our fight!
We believe ... there CAN be a future without pancreatic cancer. We need your support to reach our goal and make this dream a reality. Together we can make a difference!
Thank you for helping me reach my fundraising goal!
Much love,
Mira

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