Hometown: Calgary
Occupation: Portfolio Manager
Warrior: Michelle Gariepy (pic left) & Heather Gore-Hickman
Motivation: Wellspring Calgary and Cancervive and their volunteers have had such a positive impact on so many Calgary families, that I am proud to be associated with these great people.
I am honored to be riding on behalf of two amazing ladies. Both of them are an inspiration to me in terms their of courage, hope and determination.
Michelle - Please note that Michelle passed away on Sept.1 and she will be remembered for her courage and inspiration for others.
I recently met Michelle and her husband, George. She has worked as both Jr. & Sr. High Vice Principal and Music Specialist at Calgary French & International School for 20 years. Michelle has earned great respect and admiration from her fellow staff and students because of her personality, abilities and talents. Michelle is a role model for students and staff at the school.
Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, underwent treatment, and was cleared of cancer in 1998.
Unfortunately, in 2008 (after 10 ten years without issues) the cancer re-appeared and has been spreading. Michelle has stage 4 cancer, meaning that it is not curable.
She has been undergoing different chemo and radiation therapies for the last two years to slow the spreading of the disease. Michelle is currently undergoing chemo every three weeks.
Michelle is very happy to participate in the Warrior program this year – she said that it gave her and her husband something to look forward to, and a chance to meet new people.
What inspires Michelle is being in action. Michelle used to a be runner and was active in other sports. Today, watching others being active raises her spirits and gives her the desire to do more as well. Michelle currently uses Wellspring Calgary facilities.
Heather
I have known and worked with Heather for over five years. Heather is a very strong individual who is determined to beat cancer to the ground. Her unstoppable laugh, genuine caring for others and commitment to her family and work is an inspiration for others.
Heather is a person of intergrity - she honor's her word in everything she does.
Tim and the girls are lucky to have a great role model.
Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer on April 1st, 2008, and underwent surgery on April 28th. In June she started chemo every three weeks until October, and then in November she started daily radiation treatment. Heather is now finished her regular treatments and is participating in a 3 year clinical trial for an experimental drug, to reduce the rate of recurrence. Since finishing her treatment she has had two clean medical results. What inspires Heather is a picture of a renaissance mighty woman warrior - “It inspired my conviction to triumph over this adversity. While I am today more about ‘Wellness’ than ‘Warrior’, I still have the photo of this painting taped to my PC, and indeed, it reminds me frequently that maintaining the healthy lifestyle choices I have adopted is the key to ensuring the dragon remains vanquished!” Heather has used the Wellspring facilities many times.
Thanks for your support.
Anil
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