Walking away from breast cancer

Janelle Roberts contacted Rethink Breast Cancer a couple of years ago while she was in the midst of treatment.  She wanted to help other young women like her, so she volunteered to help us start the Toronto chapter of our Live Laugh Learn program at lululemon. Janelle is also a dynamic member of our Breast Fest Film Festival Advisory Committee and a compassionate Peer Support volunteer. Over the years we’ve seen Janelle and her partner, Karim, at our events and fundraisers. Their love story is truly inspiring…

Farheen Beg

Senior Manager, Support & Education Programs

In Nassau on our wedding day

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, I knew my life would never be the same. I wondered if I would get to live the life I had planned for myself. The day I was diagnosed, my boyfriend told me that no matter what we would be married one day. I knew from that moment that I would not be fighting alone. Karim was by my side for every test, every doctor’s appointment, and every treatment. He came to know more about breast cancer than any man in his 20s should. While his friends were taking their girlfriends to parties on a Saturday night, Karim was bringing me popsicles and playing cards with me in bed. A month after my last chemo treatment, Karim kept his promise when he proposed. 

Karim and I were married on the beach in Nassau, Bahamas this past December. My flowers were wrapped in a pink ribbon, in honour of my battle with breast cancer. For us and the people we love our wedding was a celebration of love, life, and new beginnings. On my wedding day, I remember thinking that I was going to get to live the life I had planned for myself– in fact I was living it."

With our wedding party on the beach

You may kiss the bride! 

- Janelle Roberts