Breast Fest: A Transformative Weekend




Deb at Breast Fest 2010


Last year, I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of the Breast Fest Travel Subsidy program. Rethink organized for me to travel from Montreal to Toronto where I spent a transformative weekend attending the Breast Fest Film Festival.


Being a three-time breast cancer survivor over the course of 17 years has brought me many different levels of emotions, but none as deep and meaningful as the time I spent with my fellow warrior girls at Breast Fest. A ribbon of strength very quickly united me with many women that I had never met before; a deep connection was spoken without any words. Never did I feel more like I belonged as I did that weekend, amongst other young women who were facing many of the trials and tribulations that I had been facing for years. I saw my own fears from days gone by put to rest as I realized the strength in these much younger women. I saw my future in women who had been at battle for far too long, but the fire in their eyes showed strength and inspired me. I fit in perfectly, able to offer my experiences to others but yet constantly learning from everyone I met.


The films that we watched over the course of the weekend were so powerful, so emotional. At times, I cried so hard, but they were tears of relief, they made me feel alive. The emotions that were deeply buried deep inside me were shed like a second skin - I felt reborn.

A close group of 2010 travel subsidy recipients

I am asking you to please help Rethink support young women on their breast cancer journey by making a donation* today.

Funds raised will not only allow women, like me, to attend the 2011 Breast Fest Film Festival in November, but will also establish an invaluable support network. I am so thankful for this experience and hope others can experience the impact of this incredible weekend.

- Deborah Bridgman

2010 Breast Fest Travel Subsidy Recipient

The 2011 Breast Fest Film Festival runs November 18-20 in Toronto.
To learn more visit http://www.breastfestfilmfest.com/.

*Donations made before October 1st will be recognized in the Breast Fest Film Festival programme book. Click here to donate.