My Story…
In the summer of 2022, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. It was an overwhelming time for our family, and as I sought out resources, I was introduced to Gilda’s Toronto. Gilda's left such a positive impression on me, and thankfully, my mother-in-law is in remission now- 3 years.
Fast forward to today: I now have the privilege of working at Gilda’s Toronto, a nonprofit organization offering free psychosocial cancer support to individuals and families. Since joining the team in fall 2024, I've witnessed the power of connection, compassion, and community care. From support groups and educational workshops to children’s programming and bereavement services, Gilda’s Toronto is there to support individuals and families navigating cancer.
I’ll once again be running the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (virtually) with one clear goal: to raise $5,000, double last year’s impact, for Gilda’s Toronto. I won’t be racing for a specific finish time or distance due to a busy travel schedule. However, I’ll be dedicating my runs to those whose lives have been shaped by a cancer diagnosis- members of Gilda’s Toronto, friends, and family.
For me, it’s not about how far or fast I go, but why I’m running while keeping joy at the center of my runs. I'm grateful for the ability to run and have any excuse to spend time outside. I’d love to run in honor of someone in your life, too as I run. Your support enables free cancer support services across Ontario through Gilda’s Toronto.
Your donation helps ensure that no one must face cancer alone- reducing isolation, providing culturally responsive care, and expanding Gilda’s Toronto’s reach.
If you'd like me to honor someone during my runs, please let me know. It would be a gift to carry their name with me.
Thank you deeply for your support.
Hugs,
Lisa
Description
Please support me as I run for Gilda’s Toronto in the October 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, ½ Marathon and 5K. Gilda’s Toronto provides cancer support programs free of charge to adults living with cancer and support for their teens and children who are experiencing cancer-related stress due to living with someone with cancer. Gilda’s Toronto also provides bereavement support to those who have lost someone to cancer. By supporting me, you ensure that individuals and families impacted by cancer continue to receive the emotional, educational and health-focused cancer support they require to help with cancer related anxiety. The need for Gilda’s Toronto has never been greater as there was a 24% increase in new membership just last year. In the words of a young cancer patient and Gilda’s member participant: Finding the 20s and 30s support group at Gilda’s Toronto was like turning my head and meeting others who were on the cancer rollercoaster with me. They understood my loss and I understood theirs. I felt seen and heard. Being in this group helped me come to terms with what cancer stole from me at such a young age.” Aneesha R. By supporting me, you help Gilda’s Toronto continue to fulfill their vision: “to help people live while living with cancer”. Thank you.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | Samantha Passarelli | $108.31 |
| Aug 19 | Parker Zhang | $54.63 |
| Aug 16 | ashley | $27.80 |
| Aug 15 | Erin Edwards | $108.31 |
| Aug 14 | Kat & Steven | Undisclosed amount |
| Aug 14 | Bobby Weiss | Undisclosed amount |
| Aug 14 | Susan M | $269.32 |
