A Beverley Glen mother of three has recently helped raise almost $40,000 in support of finding a cure for women’s cancers.
Jessica Strasberg, 38, has now raised money for the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers for the fifth time. The walk benefits Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, funding cancer research and treatment.
At the age of 35, Strasberg was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and radiation treatments.
Her personal battle inspired her and two of her long-time friends — Marni Dvir and Tammy Herzog — to organize I Run for Life, a charity gala for the cause.
Their first event in 2012 succeeded in raising $26,000 for Princess Margaret where Strasberg had received surgery.
Nine months pregnant at the time, she took part in that year’s walk and had a son, Noah, the following day. To reflect the event, his middle name is Walker.
“In fact, his Hebrew name is Nissim, which means ‘miracle,’ ” said Strasberg.
However, this past June, the gala event pulled in an even more sizable sum of $38,000.
Strasberg was particularly happy knowing the walk helps make possible improvements such as the Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre, which reduces wait times for cancer examinations.
Strasberg’s ultimate goal is to ensure that a cancer-free future is made possible for her children within their lifetimes. As a family doctor, she also wants to emphasize the importance of early breast cancer detection.
Strasberg will be among the 31,000 women taking part in this year’s Walk to End Women’s Cancers scheduled for Sept. 7 at the Rogers Centre.