Inspiring Stories Series: Kim

Kim with daughter Arden

Breast cancer first came to my attention when I was diagnosed. At age 41, I was considered a ‘young’ woman. I really had not thought about breast cancer prior to that because it really hadn’t touched my life. There was no history in my family and I did not overtly know anyone with it. Suddenly, breast cancer was a big deal and I was overwhelmed with everything that was out there. I was also disheartened by the lack of information on what I wanted to know. All of the information and support that seemed to be available was for women much older. What was available for me?

I needed to know how to approach the subject with my 5 year old daughter. I wanted advice on how I was going to balance treatments with my career. I was in a new relationship so I needed to understand reconstruction options, strategies to deal with body image, and sexuality - getting to second base for the first time! It was around this time that I discovered an organization called Rethink Breast Cancer. They were different. They were young. They cared about the same things I did.

I was thrilled when, a few years ago, Rethink partnered with a small group of women in the West to provide funding for an interactive website called www.BreastCancerNowWhat.ca. This site was designed by young women for young women to tackle many of the things I listed above. I knew that I wanted to get involved in supporting Rethink so that they could continue to offer the types of programs and advocacy to support young women dealing with breast cancer. That was when I joined other young survivors to participate in ‘Seek the Peak’, in Vancouver, BC.

I think at first I sincerely thought I was certifiable because this was not a relay for wimps. My running experience was limited to ‘running’ to the store; ‘running’ to the bathroom; ‘running’ to a meeting. The relay starts at Ambleside beach in West Vancouver taking a 4,100 feet elevation gain over a 16-kilometer course, winding its way through North Vancouver, then heads up the legendary Grouse Grind® to the Peak of Vancouver. Yikes! It was a challenge, but our team of 4 young survivors decided that “if we can beat breast cancer – we can beat this race!”. Well, ‘race’ is used loosely here as we managed to come in 2nd or 3rd from last place finishing each year. But, where we were 1st was in fundraising – that was our focus and passion. Last year we really pushed the envelope as one of our team members, Lavonne, was diagnosed with a new primary breast cancer in her opposite breast – after 10 years of being cancer free – she is still a young woman!

This year we are doing Seek The Peak again, but I am retiring my runners. I found out this January that I have metastatic breast cancer in my liver and bones. Like many ‘young’ women diagnosed, my cancer was far more aggressive and the opportunities for reoccurrence was greater. This year my daughter, her friends, their moms, my husband and of course Lavonne are carrying the torch up the hill for me. I am so thrilled that my daughter wants to be involved knowing how much this cause means to me.

I know that to change the destiny and survival rates of young women with breast cancer, we need to educate, support and advocate. Young people need to be involved because this is their cause – their future. I also know that what my daughter will take away from this experience now will shape and possibly save her life, and Rethink will be there to help.”

Kim Tempest
Seek The Peak Participant, Team BreastCancerNowWhat.ca