Why I Run for The Cure

3 October 2014Kasane E, Allard ‘15

Early Sunday morning, busloads of Brentwood students will travel to Victoria to participate in the Run for the Cure to raise awareness and funds to battle breast cancer. Yesterday, Kasane E, Allard ’15 spoke at Assembly of how her mother’s breast cancer affected her family Today, the school is celebrating ‘Pink Day’ to show our support. The Brentwood community would also like to express our support and love for Mrs. Pat Steinbrink-Kelly, longtime teacher, Head of Languages, rowing coach, houseparent and Brentwood parent who is currently battling the disease and to whom the students have dedicated this year’s run. Two breathtaking syllables, one heart-stopping word, six life-reflection-forcing letters: Cancer. It was too much, everything was happening so fast, yet my mother’s tears fell slowly. Individually each weak droplet gravitated to the floor as if committing suicide off of her smooth, beautiful face. My dad’s arms cradled her gently, but the pain was clear in his pale blue eyes. She calmly explained to us that, she was “lucky, fortunate, blessed.” The words struck me, stinging my ears, “Apparently, they’ve caught it early.” I remember focusing on my breath, which immediately grabbed the memories of our yoga classes together, of everything together. I could feel tears sliding over my burning cheeks, but this was no time for Kleenex. I then focused on her breathing, I couldn’t help but dread each breath would be her last. She forced a smile that was glass-thin and effortless to see through. I looked into her eyes; I suppose when you live, breathe, sleep, eat and love with a person for 12 years, you become more than bonded, and as if our thoughts were like our hearts, together, she read my mind and answered my silent question, “Breast cancer.” Before anyone could even say ‘sorry’ I was in her arms, letting her know that I would never let her go. Before long she had doctors, appointments, surgery and was well associated with the hospital. She began radiation about a month after being diagnosed. In and out of it all, she masked it well, the pain that is, not only of the disease but also that inflicted by the treatment. She was taken from me for two months that summer, the same way that summer was taken from her, forcing her to stay in Calgary, breaking the tradition of our two months away at the lake. Her recipe for invincibility had three ingredients: positivity, hope and strength. Together, as a family, we remained, unconditionally. cancer failed, failed to break our bravery, failed to cripple our love, failed to shatter our connections, failed to dent our hope, failed to reduce her life, failed to destroy her friendships, failed to eat away our support, and failed to quench her thirst for happiness and adventure. A threat to someone I loved handed me a reason for hate on a silver platter, but when it was all said, done and over, I realized it was a wasteful act, for hate cannot conquer nor make any difference, so instead I waited for the sunrise and saw this entire experience in a whole new light, altering my vengeful perspective to a much warmer motivation to participate and donate. Appreciating and accepting are definitely things I now strive for, as well as making the most of everything I can. Because life is short and fast, and any opportunity that we do not seize is one that we will never get back. My mom was lucky. But that luck was backed up by research and exceptional doctors. Ever since that unforgettable year, I’ve Run for The Cure, because I truly hope that someday soon every mom, grandma, aunt, and daughter that gets diagnosed with breast cancer will have a great outcome like my mom did. This Sunday, October 5th, I, alongside many of my amazing peers, will be participating at CIBC’s Run for The Cure and I would love to see each and every one of you there. Keep in mind that if you haven’t registered for this year’s run, you can still donate and there is always next year to participate! Every effort– no matter how big or small– can make a difference. Thank you, Kasane E, Allard ‘15

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