* Editor’s note: I have been unusually quiet on my blog for the last seven months because I have been in pain and like all animals when I am in pain I hide and try to lick my wounds. On May 7, 2011, Hubby#1 and I made the heartbreaking decision to let our four-year-old Golden Darby go as his cancer had progressed to the point where pain for him was inevitable and approaching like a steamroller. Neither of us could fathom the thought of seeing our baby go through that and watch his quality of life deteriorate. It devastated our remaining seven-year-old Golden Dustin and us. I have several posts about how unique and special Darby was but events have prevented me from posting them and the post below is part of the reason why.

The other day a colleague said how awesome my smile was as I said hello to him. Yes, I have a high wattage smile usually but because I have been living in such a haze of pain for months that I was amazed I was still managing to smile. I guess some things truly are reflexive.

I have been struggling to heal from a broken shoulder. I broke my shoulder in the most boring of ways. Slipping and falling in the pouring rain as I arrived for a meeting. The location was ten feet from my destination. That destination was the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) and yes, I slipped mere feet from the 112^th Street entrance. I knew right away that I had hurt my shoulder – declining help on that side as witnesses rushed to help me back up. Yep, I went to the meeting. For a few minutes when I realized I simply could not lift my arm at all and made my way to Triage. I was not crying (I have never cried when I have hurt myself) but I was wincing in pain —I have a high pain tolerance but I am human!

This occurred in May of 2011 (May 25 to be exact) and in the early months when my right (write) shoulder was completely immobilized I was helpless – ack. Not easy for an archetypical Type A like myself who finds asking for help of any kind near impossible! Though I would do anything for family or friends and casual acquaintances if I can asking for myself fills me with terror. Nevertheless, I had no choice at times, I was unable to drive, and cut my own food, brush my hair properly even getting dressed was a challenge if I deviated from a t-shirt and slip on yoga pants! (I had to dress up at one point when I was still fully immobilized and I have determined that putting on nylons (pantyhose) should be included in the rehabilitation process. It took me over half an hour to pull them on left-handed only without ripping them and it was quite the exhausting workout!)

The fact I tried to attend the meeting before receiving medical attention says a lot about my pain tolerance level and stubbornness!

I have always been like that…

I tripped and fell slicing my forehead on a glass door before I had even turned one. Once I got over the initial shock of the injury and the pooling blood, I never cried again. Not a peep when I was in the emergency room, when the doctor put a needle in my forehead to numb the area for stitches or even as the gash was stitched up. Indeed my Dad says I very helpfully held my bangs up, out of the way while chatting (in a very limited manner I am certain, wow how that would change!). I had stitches again by the time I was two and again on my forehead same attitude. (This would continue to be regular pattern for me as I would gash some area or another and would need to be stitched up.) I have scars from stitches in several places on my forehead, under my right eyebrow, several just under my chin, my right hand and too many to count on my forever bashed up legs and knees. Once when I was getting stitches put in my hand, the anesthesia amount was inadequate and I felt the first stitch go in before saying that my hand was not fully numb. Getting a local in your hand is the weirdest experience – it swells up like a baseball glove, which is a disconcerting feeling. I even once had stitches put in “bush style” as in with no anesthesia and a very big sewing needle. Can you sense a pattern here?

Yes, I am extremely clumsy and accident-prone. My husband has jokingly (I sincerely hope!) that identifying my body would be a breeze as I have scars and healed fractures that would be impossible to miss. Oh yeah, I also had eight of my top baby teeth knocked out by a steel bucket when I was four while defending a younger cousin from a bully resulting in expensive  and extensive orthodontic treatment when my permanent teeth (finally!) came in when I was seven-eight.

I have had broken bones ranging from the aforementioned shoulder to various toes, fingers, cheekbones, nose and a nasty ankle AND leg break on the same night but in separate falls! I got up and walked on my broken ankle despite knowing it was fractured before I had even hit the ground because it was cold, I was alone and unable to summon attention without “walking” up to my neighbours house.

I have torn ligaments galore, been cold cocked, been knocked unconscious (received concussions, explains a few things!), donated bone marrow and have never uttered a peep in pain and have refused pain meds except perhaps for the initial day of injury.

After surgery on my broken ankle about a year later one of the titanium screws worked its way out of the bone, (I could feel it under the skin). I insisted on watching the orthopedist and his intern remove it because it was MY ankle and it was cool seeing them slice a spot and then use a screwdriver to take the offending screw out of the bone!

I am not grossed out by anything and my pain level tolerance is high but the repercussions of my broken shoulder have strained even my forbearance.

My shoulder still aches and my range is no way near back to 100% but I have gamely tried to get back to life resuming working, driving and the like with my former vigor. Except I have favoured my right side, using my left arm and side far more than before and as a result I have been crippled with lower back pain on my left side.

This has been a daily occurrence since October and not a day has gone by where my pain level from that area is not between a “good” 6.5 -7 out of 10 to a “usual” 9.5 to 12.

I have sought medical treatment. I now take arthritis (I have arthritis not surprisingly considering my banged up body but usually do not take medication for it) anti-inflammatory drugs. I go to physiotherapy, bought an inversion table, have had acupuncture and Bowen therapy (a form of massage therapy), done nothing (and I mean nothing), lain flat, sat up with a heating pad behind me, used a full body heat and massage pad but NOTHING has given me more than a few hours of relief from the relentless pain.

I am at the end of my rope.

I am back to the doctor the week of January 23 to see what else can be done, cortisone shots, x-rays, MRI, anything to relieve this never-ending cycle of pain. When it is at the high range (9.5 to 12) I whimper trying to get into the passenger seat of Hubby#1’s Explorer as this range of movement brings excruciating pain (which is saying something since I am already at the top end of pain). Getting into my little banger some days is no easier as I have to lift my left leg into the car because I cannot simply swing my self into the car.

Something has to give and it will not be me. I am not a complainer when I am in pain (usually) but everyone has their limits and I have been pushed past and then some.

Nevertheless, I am smiling through the pain and as in laughing the adage “fake it till you feel it” applies because the body cannot differentiate between the fake or real response. Therefore, if you do see me around and I am smiling for all I am worth just smile back but do not expect a bear hug —ouch!

On a more positive note, we brought a squirming and adorable ball of fluff into our home on October 06, 2011. Dieter, a purebred German Sheppard, was exactly eight weeks old and weighed about 16 pounds. He has brought love and chaos into our lives at a time when it was most needed. Although he is our fourth dog, there are days I despair this will be the puppy that is the death of me! He is now five months old, smart, curious, weighs about 50 pounds is nearly as tall as Dustin and Dustin’s tail is his favourite chew toy!

            Entertainers Relief Fund for Slave Lake Victims

Rising funds and collecting donations to life the spirits and assist the many residents displaced and devastated by the Slave Lake fire.

For more information: http://bunkerssportspub.com/ (Check back regularly as this event is very fluid and gathering momentum moment to moment.)

 For the Kids: During the day, there will be numerous fun events.

For the older “Kids”: This is a three day event which will feature live bands, barbeques, breakfast, silent auctions for example bid on an opportunity for a ride in Chopper One courtesy of Canadian Traffic Network (CTN), signed sports memorabilia, a 50/50 Draw and much more!

**THIS IS A 3 DAY EVENT**

STARTING FRIDAY,MAY 20TH 7:00 P.M. TIL 2 A.M.

SATURDAY 11 A.M. TIL 2 A.M.

SUNDAY 11 A.M. TIL 2 A.M.(DAYTIME PERFORMANCES ARE DONATION WATCHEABLE, EVENING PERFORMANCES ARE TICKETED SEATING, $10 PER TICKET)

As a result of the devastating and horrific fire In Slave Lake, which has left a third of that community homeless and countless businesses destroyed, entertainers from across Alberta are banding together to raise funds and collect clothing donations this long weekend.

CHANGE IN VENUE!!!!!!!!!!! 

To do this they are staging a marathon variety show at  BUNKERS SPORTS PUB, 615 Hermitage Road, Edmonton.

Musicians like Colleen Rae, etc and comics like Tim Koslo, Sebastian Steel, and many more, are donating their time for the cause.

A BBQ will be held outside Bunkers in the parking lot, and donations of clothing and toiletries or cash if you prefer will be accepted. Two small men with big hearts moving company is parking a moving truck in Bunkers parking lot all weekend so we can “stuff the truck” with donations!

Come, enjoy a weekend full of entertainment, food, and drink specials.

Former CTV Weatherman and ACT Telerama host John Berry will be your MC.

$10 cover charge. All proceeds raised this weekend will go to the victims of Slave Lake. There will also be a 50/50 draw.

Breakfast will be served on Sunday with proceeds from the breakfast also being donated to the Slave Lake Relief Fund.

Acts on board so far: hypnotist sebastian steel, country singer colleen rae, rock band swarm, comedian tim koslo, dj naZty, motley crue tribute band the dirt, musician mark mcgarrigle ,musician wayne alchin, musician/comedian paul sveen, musician anthony poirier ,rock band drt comedienne dar germin,comedian james ross, musical artist paula quilty perro, rock band looking east, dan the balloon man, world reknown photographer/artist con boland will be photographing one of the nights.

Please note we need more entertainers! Singers ,dj’s, comedians, musicians, improv troupes, buskers, get in touch with me via the number provided.

SHOW SCHEDULE

FRIDAY – 7:00 TICKETED SEATING BEGINS
8:00 COMEDIAN/MUSICIAN PAUL SVEEN
8:30 COUNTRY ARTIST COLLEEN RAE
9:00 COMEDIANTIM KOSLO
9:45 COMEDIAN JAMES ROSS
10:00 HYPNOTIST SEBASTIAN STEEL
11:30 COMEDIENNE DAR GERMIN
MIDNIGHT ROCK BAND LOOKING EAST
12:45 DJ
1:00 ROCK BAND THE SWARM

SATURDAY

11:00 MUSICIAN MARK MCGARRIGLE
12:00 COMEDIAN JAMES ROSS
12:30 (OPEN SLOT)
1:00 OPEN SLOT
2:00 COMEDIENNE DAR GERMIN
2:30 COMEDIAN LARS CALLIEOU
3:00 ROCK BAND THE SWARM
4:00 HYPNOTIST SEBASTIAN STEEL
5:30 MARK MCGARRIGLE
6:30 MUSICAL ARTISTS VISHUDDHA
7:00 TICKETED SEATING BEGINS-MUSICIAN ATHONY POIRIER
8:00 MUSICIAN/COMEDIAN PAUL SVEEN
9:00 ROCK AND ELECTRIC BLUES BAND TALL DARK N DIRTY
10:00 HYPNOTIST SEBASTIAN STEEL
11:30 THE SWARM
12:30 DJ NAZTY

Thanks and see you there!

For more information, call Sebastian Steel at 780-641-4973

* Editors Note: The following was written two years ago during an extremely difficult time in my life with Hubby#1 having a medical crisis which required emergency surgery for the weeks leading up to the Gala (he was released from the hospital the day before) in other words a tumultuous and whirlwind time.

The category I was nominated in was “Turning Point” –a category I did not feel I had fully done in 2009 and definitely something I know I have yet to do in 2011.That is okay.

To me life is not about awards, becoming stagnant, or being too comfortable in my place in this big wonderful world. Life is about always changing — always turning a corner, turning challenges into opportunities and taking those small leaps of faith every day. I like always being at a turning point in my life; I do all I can to ensure that the direction is a positive one and that on the journey I do my best.

Congratulations to all the 2011 nominees – I am certain you are all extremely deserving of this honour and I am certain that everyone of you are winners –where it matter most—in life!

YWCA Women of Distinction (WoD) 2009 was a wonderful honour and experience

Debra is a lifelong learner, passionate community volunteer and supporter. Although she is not originally from Edmonton she is proud to call Edmonton home “by love and by choice.” While recovering from serious personal and professional ordeals, Debra became a tireless worker for women’s rights and an educator at the ground level. She exemplifies the willingness to tutor, educate and empower women, and volunteers with the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) to help other women recover from traumatic events. Debra plans to never grow up, never stop learning and dreaming and believes that life is too short to just do a job. Family, friends, volunteering, mentoring, contributing and fun is her motto. Debra loves and lives this motto every day and in any way she can.

This was my bio in tonight’s program. It is factually correct but in my obviously biased view it does not fully convey my “Turning Point”, which was the category I was nominated in.

Five years ago when I was functionally catatonic, when I was so mired in pain and in the acute/crisis stage of my post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) I did not know how I was going to survive let alone thrive ever again.

What I knew then and what I never lost sight of was that by being a part of the community, that volunteering and mentoring was the only way I was ever going to see any hope or good in the world ever again.

I am humbled to be nominated. That anyone would think I have made any difference in the community is incredible.

Tammy MacDonald who started Hair Massacre when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with cancer was who I was cheering for in my category and I am truly glad she won as I felt she deserved it. To Tammy (and ALL the other nominees, winners all of us) I say congratulations and thank you for making such huge differences in the community. The world is a better place because of you, because you care and have the willingness and determination to make life better for others.

These are my personal most favourite accolades that I have received in the last few years.

From my first mentee/little sister “Thank you Debra for being my friend.”

From some of the people I have spoken to on the SACE crisis line, “thank you” and “thank you, when I called I did not know how I was going to go on, I had no hope. Now I realize that things are bad but that I am not a victim but a survivor. That being a survivor is something to be proud of.”

Yes, thank you means more to me than anything. Certainly it is wonderful to be acknowledged but I am most proud of being a friend and of being a survivor.

Emergency Preparedness Day (in the Park) Saturday, May 07, 2011 with Canadian Traffic Network

What: Fun and learning day for the whole family!

Join some of the great men and women who keep us safe and prepared as representatives from traffic CTN-Edmonton, the Edmonton Fire Service (EFS), the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), EPCOR and other emergency services demonstrate their tools and resources.

Who:   Chris Hayden, Regional Director of Operations, Alberta and Broadcaster

Other CTN-Edmonton Broadcasters will be attending as well.

When:           Saturday, May 07, 2011

10:00 to 16:00

Note: Chopper One will be flying into Hawrelak Park at approximately 10:30 and will be on site for the rest of the day. STARS and Air-1 are scheduled to be on display as well.

Where:            William (Hawrelak) Park – 9930 Groat Road

Hawrelak Park is nestled right in the centre of Edmonton’s River Valley

Hats and colouring books will top off this wonderful family event. Previous year’s events had EFS lifts going up and down to the delight of all the “kids” in the crowd. (Many of the older, “kids” aka adults enjoyed this as much as the children did!) The EPS will have many of their “toys” out as well and there will likely be “powerful” demonstrations by EPCOR.

Contest: Another great reason to attend. There will be a draw for a ride in Edmonton’s only traffic chopper for one very lucky person! Please note that entrants must be over 16 years of age, under 240 pounds (110 kilos) and the ride will not be during Emergency Preparedness Day in the Park. Winner will be contacted.

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Contact: Email: chayden@trafficnet.ca | Office 780-455-6669 | Twitter: @ChrisHayden1142

Links and resources: Is your family prepared? Emergency Preparedness Week is May 01 to May 07, 2011 http://www.aema.alberta.ca/ and http://www.aema.alberta.ca/pa_emergency_preparedness_week.cfm

Bio: Chris Hayden has been with CTN since March 2006 when the Edmonton Market opened up, before this he was with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for nearly 27 years. Hayden’s career with EPS included Robbery, Negotiation, Riot Troop, Street Crimes, Strike Force, Media Relations and the Air One Helicopter. Retiring from EPS in the summer of 2005, Chris was fortunate to be offered a job with CTN-Edmonton which put two things he loved from his earlier career together: choppers and media. Chris has been married over 25 years and he and his lovely wife have two great kids. They live out in the country on 40 Acres.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

The Canadian Traffic Network (CTN) supplies live traffic reports to eight major cities in Canada giving advertisers the opportunity to reach 8.2 million Canadians in both English and French. Since launching nationally in 2006 CTN has continued to add radio stations into their network and has recently launched TV traffic reports in five major markets. Edmonton is fortunate to be one of those markets. Canadian Traffic Network: http://www.trafficnet.ca/index.php

Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way. ” Barbara Bush

As I was entering, a bank this morning a younger man stopped and held the door purposefully open for me. Chivalrous to be certain but more than that it was great manners.

This happens to me quite often from men of all ages and backgrounds but rarely will a woman do this. Which is a shame because doing so is not a nod to females being the weaker sex or any such silly thing—it is however an indicator of not only good manners but of a great person— regardless of gender.

When someone does something special for me (such as pausing to hold a door or similar) I just as purposely stop to say more than “thank you” I also say “what a nice thing it was of you (sic) to do so”. Similarly, when I hold a door open for someone and they say “thank you” (those who do not say a thing is a whole other blog post) I do not say “no prob” because a person with manners reply is “You are welcome!” and I have manners.

I even know how to conduct myself in “society” as I “came out” – I was a debutante (yes, I learned to curtsy!) and I took the Bay’s “Manners for young ladies program” (hands up Canadian pre-teen girls who took this course!) where we learned which fork to use and how to walk around with a book on our heads! (I know me walking around with a book on my head is a scary prospect as I have such difficulty walking and not tripping on air!)

Go up to a parent or parents in a restaurant or on an outing and tell them what a delight their child/children are/were. I guarantee you will make their day as they beam in rightful (and I have no doubt hard fought) parental pride. It feels so wonderful to make someone’s day as well, win-win!

I was extremely fortunate that my parents taught me (and my sister) how to be polite, to say please and thank you (and you are welcome) to be helpful and courteous at all times to everyone as me (and I know my sister) practice these daily and often.

In “my not even ever going to pretend to be humble about it opinion” being respectful, helpful and courteous should be as commonplace as breathing because these attributes are always in style.  To paraphrase what  Mrs. Bush so eloquently wrote “treat everyone you meet well, with respect and courtesy and you will be a success”, I would add then you are also a great person!

 Thank you and you are most welcome.

Envision Edmonton is pleased to host a special dinner to honour long standing  Edmonton Businessman, Don Hamilton.  

EDMONTON, AB: Envision Edmonton is pleased to host a dinner to honour long-standing Edmonton Businessman, Don Hamilton, founder of Air Spray Ltd on Tuesday, April 5^th.

Hamilton is a 2011 inductee into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. Don will be formally inducted in Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame later this spring. Don started Air Spray Ltd in 1967 specializing in air tanker forest fire suppression. The company started its business with one air tanker, one bird dog aircraft and a contract for one season with the Alberta Provincial Government to fight forest fires from the air. Don Hamilton, the founder had been an aviator since 1943 flying in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, April 5^th, 2011

Location: Matrix Hotel; (10640 – 100 AVE NW, Edmonton)

Schedule: Cocktails: 5:30 pm; Dinner 6:45 pm; Program to follow.

Guest Speakers to include:

John Lovelace; creator of the television series “The Aviators”

Danielle Smith; leader of the Wildrose Alliance party.

There will be other special presentations as well.

— More —

For additional information contact:  

Eugene Strilchuk

Infinity Flight Services Ltd.  

Phone: 780-447-5920

Toll Free: 877-VIP-7900

Cell: 780-974-1303

Email: eugene.strilchuk@infinitair.ca 

Website: www.infinitair.ca 

                            XXX

Since 1967, Air Spray Aviation Services has been providing exceptional services. For more information please contact them at: 201, 63 Airport Road Edmonton, AB  T5G 0W6 Phone: 780.453.1737 E-mail: office@airspray.com Website: www.airspray.com 

Envision Edmonton, is an independent community organization formed specifically to develop a suitable and economically viable plan to revitalize Edmonton’s City Centre airport. If you have questions or would like more information contact us at: Hangar 39 12009 121 ST NW Edmonton, AB  T5L 4H7 780. 454.1634 Website: www.demandthevote.ca

A cousin is looking for some community spirit from Edmontonians.

The ask:

Assisting a senior woman who is on her own as she was moved today (Friday, November 26, 2010) from an abusive situation and is looking for someone (or 2 or more) to help her set up and unpack her new apartment so it feels like a home. She is situated off 132 Avenue/113 Street.

Contact me and I will act as an intermediary. Show your community spirit, it feels great and looks fantastic on us all! Exercise your community spirit Edmonton!

Thanks!

Debbie/Debra Ward

Today as I was going to work (I have a contract that is based in downtown Edmonton) I stopped for a coffee at the Tim Horton’s that is across the street. Not a regular occurrence but I needed a caffeine boost. I am a contract ‘employee’ so I don’t punch a time clock but as the contract is winding down I have been putting in full-time and regular hours.

Leaving the ‘Timmies’ I headed off to the office from the building where the Tim Horton’s is located, First Edmonton Place (10665 Jasper Avenue) and my office is the Seventh Street Building (10030 107  Street) and for those not familiar with the area there is a ramp-type sidewalk to access 107th Street southbound (so the direction I was going).

As I walked up the ramp I passed two women attempting to come down the ramp. One of the women was struggling with a walker as the other women tried to encourage her.

As soon as I came abreast of them I immediately asked the younger of the two women if they needed assistance. She replied in the affirmative so I asked the older women if she wanted to hold onto me and we would walk down the ramp together. She was quite frail and was afraid to take the brakes off her walker. Now this ramp is by no means steep (barely a slight incline) but as someone who has been on crutches once or twice I know how daunting steps or inclines can be.

The older women said that would be great and so we set off. The woman’s daughter (as I was to learn) in front of her mother who was holding on to my arm as if for dear life. Painstakingly we set off. We would take two steps, pause, take one more step, pause and repeat and repeat. You get the picture right? We were very s-l-o-w. Remember I was on my way to work and I had a hot coffee in my (free hand). It took our procession nearly 20 minutes to make it down that ramp. Anyone who knows me knows I am seriously dimension challenged so I am estimating (and probably off!) that this walkway is six feet (three steps) in length and as previously stated not steep so 20 minutes was a l-o-n-g time.

When our little group had reached the bottom (finally) I asked if they wanted help to get into First Edmonton but both were confident that they could manage so I went on my way.

Yes, I was now “late” but I how could I not stop to assist? To me the day that I do not have a spare moment (or 20) to help someone is simply not a day that will ever come. What if that was my grandmother or my mother-in-law who needed an arm to hold onto?

I don’t think what I did was anything remarkable but I have to wonder why more people do not stop to help when they see someone in need, is it because they are afraid of being rewarded with a smile and a thank you. One day it might be you or someone close to you who is struggling and wouldn’t you want someone to stop? I know I would.

So I stop. Always.

Have you got what it takes to fill these shoes?

We know you do.

Edmonton’s First Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event combines big hearts with big feet, and brings the whole community together for a great cause. The event premise is simple; men walk a few blocks in women’s shoes, raising eyebrows and awareness of YWCA Family Violence Prevention programs.

• 1. SAY YES. Sign up for Walk A Mile in Her Shoes. You can sign up as an individual, or recruit a team to join you – Why go it alone?
• 2. RAISE FUNDS (OPTIONAL) Ask your colleagues, suppliers, your clients – anyone who will give you money to walk around in a snazzy pair of heels. Each registered participant receives their own web page to accept on-line donations and keep track of the funds raised.
• 3. WALK THE WALK. Join other brave ‘soles’ hoofing it for a great cause. Mark Tuesday, September 14, 11:30 to 1:30 pm in your calendar and join us at Downtown, at Sir Winston Churchill Square. We’ll have you safely back in your own shoes and at your office for that afternoon meeting.

Join us and make a difference.

https://payment.csfm.com/events/ywca_edmonton/event_pledge/

One step at a time.

http://twitter.com/YWCAEdmonton

http://twitter.com/JlynNye

Lynda Steele from http://twitter.com/GlobalEdmonton

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/story_print.html?id=3504648&sponsor=

Teams

Y’s Guys

Paul Gallagher
Randall Jackson
Gregg Janz
Trent Kiriak
Terry Konyi
Andy Merchant
Carlos Pereira
Arvin Simon
Al Stacey
Chris Wick

The Sound

Ryann Bradley
Matt Schichter
Graeme Tait
Sean Westphal

The Garrison Guys

ANDREW ABBOTT
Andrew Brooks
AIDAN COLIN BUCKLE
WILLIAM GLEN CHEYNE
CHARLES CLOUTIER
JOSEPH FACOETTI
Mark Flint
CHRISTOPHER GRINHAM
DAVID IAN HOLSWORTH
Innocent Inienwe
FRANCIS KADJULIK
MATTHEW LISSOWAY
Keith Mills
YANNICK PARE
PASCAL SANSONI
Ryan Southwood
ADAM STEFANIEC
DUSTIN ZSOVAK

Team TELUS

Dan Campbell
Kevyn McGregor
Brent Robertson
Stewart Sim
Dr. Robert Westbury

Team RCMP

Cameron Chisholm
Gibson Glavin
Rick Grosul

Stewart Weir Strutters

Grant Beach
Stephen Hill
Conrad Kirchner
Brian Pearse
Jason Pettit
Darcy Skish

SCC Contenders

Bruce Eckel
Tom Fowler

RTC 119

ROBERT BUTCHIKE
Brent Fox
Harpreet Singh Jhinjar
Matthew Lees
Ken MULLINS
Brian PARKER
Ryan Pazder
Chad TAWFIK
Darby YOUNG

Pattison Outdoor

Cory Benedict
Duncan Cochrane

Molson Coors

Jeremy Kalenuik
Ryan Taylor

Lululemon Athletica

Clark Booth
Scott Price

K-97

Bill Cowen http://twitter.com/BillCowen

Terry Evans http://twitter.com/Terry_Evans

Hybrid Forge

Geoff Kliza

ATCO Street Walkers

Rahim Adatia
Allan Toledo

ATB Finance

William Carlos
Roger Saran

“ARCH ENEMIES”

John Dowds
Marvin Shmyr

Individuals

Garner Andrews (Sonic 102.9) http://twitter.com/garnerandrews

Jerry Aulenbach (Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate) http://twitter.com/ZoomJer

Daryl Bonar (Candidate for Mayor) http://twitter.com/daryl4mayor

John Boucher (Caritas Hospitals Foundation)

William Carlos (ATB Financial)

Tony Caterina (City of Edmonton)

ron clark (104.9 EZ ROCK) http://twitter.com/1049EZRock

Tim Cleveley

Mark Connolly (CBC Television)

Bob Dreger (MEDIACO)

Neil Dubord (Edmonton Police Service)

Kevin Ellefson

Duane English (Global Edmonton) http://twitter.com/DuaneEnglish

Ed Fong (deVine Wines/Downtown Business Association)

Paul Gallagher (Shaw)

David Gerow (CBC Television)

Chris Hayden (Global/CTN) http://twitter.com/ChrisHayden1142

Ben Henderson (City of Edmonton)

Constable HERMOSURA (Edmonton Police Service)

Harry Hodge (Metro Edmonton) http://twitter.com/hodgedude

Cary Howe (102.3 NOW! radio)

Gary James (JOEFM Corus Entertainment)

Todd James (K97)

Ryan Jespersen (Breakfast Television – Citytv) http://twitter.com/ryanjespersen

Rhubarb Jones (92.5 JOE FM)

Jeremy Kalenuik (Molson Coors)

Kevin Karius (Global TV)

Shane Loxterkamp (Edmonton Police Service)

Jeremy Lye (630CHED) http://twitter.com/JiNewsCHED

John MacKinnon (Edmonton Journal) http://twitter.com/rjmackinnon

Terry McConnell (Edmonton Journal) https://twitter.com/TerryMac2

Paul McGonigal (Edmonton Fire Rescue Services)

Dale McNeely (Alberta School of Business)

David McNicoll

Ryanh McNish (Edmonton Rush)

Matt Melnyk (Canwest Corperate Air Charters)

Christopher Mostoway

Ben Moyles (Tim Hortons)

Dustin Nielson (Team 1260 – Astral Media) http://twitter.com/nielson1260

Brian Nowlan (Edmonton Police Service)

Kevin O’Connell (Global TV)

Jason Openo (Edmonton Public Library)

Clinton Ouderkirk

Jake Pesaruk

Jeff Pesaruk (Virtual Group) http://twitter.com/Virtualpesaruk

Jason Roberts (104.9 EZ ROCK)

Chris Scheetz (CISN COUNTRY 103.9)  http://twitter.com/ChrisScheetz

Bill Slaght

Amarjeet Sohi (City of Edmonton) http://twitter.com/SohiAmarjeet

Tim Spelliscy (Global Edmonton)

Gord Steinke (Global Edmonton)

Jason Strudwick (Edmonton Oilers)

Ron Sullivan

david tchir (Edmonton police service)

Stephen Thompson (City of Edmonton – Office of the City Clerk) http://twitter.com/EdmontonClerk

Graham Thomson (Edmonton Journal)

John Ward (INAC) http://twitter.com/lonesomebilydad

Andrew Charles Wilcox (95.7 The Sound)

Ron Wilson (CBC Television)

Jack Yee (Edmonton Police)

Jim Yushchyshyn

Gary Zawada (Atek Water Systems)

Organizations

http://twitter.com/1023nowradio

http://twitter.com/630CHED

http://twitter.com/957TheSound

http://twitter.com/camtait

http://twitter.com/CBCEdmonton

http://twitter.com/CISNCountry

http://twitter.com/CitytvEdmonton

http://twitter.com/CORUSRADIO

http://twitter.com/CTN_Edmonton

http://twitter.com/Edmonton_Rush

http://twitter.com/edmontonjournal

http://twitter.com/edmontonpolice

http://twitter.com/GlobalEdmonton

http://twitter.com/iNews880

http://twitter.com/JOEFM

http://twitter.com/metroedmonton

http://twitter.com/NHL_Oilers

http://twitter.com/TheTeam1260

**Please note this list is by no means complete but is simply a best shot at compiling the Twitter Handles of the Co-hosts, Teams, Individuals and Organizations that are supporting the YWCA in the inaugural “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”.

Kudos to all involved!

http://twitter.com/DebraWard

I have my annual mammogram scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2010 but something I thought to add to this post is the recommendation to include your partner when you are doing your monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE). Our partners are usually much more attuned to the feel of our breasts and thus are more likely to notice changes or lumps before we are. (I find that Hubby#1 at least is also more than willing to help me with doing breast exams…!)

Today I went for my annual mammogram and as the technician was taking the pictures we chatted. As she squeezed the “girls” into unfamiliar positions I remarked that it was not painful or even uncomfortable and I just did not get the big deal some women make about going for a mammography exam.

I wondered aloud if it was because my “girls” are small? No, the technician replied women who are similarly under-endowed complain as much as the more well-endowed women do.

She speculated that it maybe because it is an area of the female body that are so sexualized and thus many women are uncomfortable with baring them or even having anything to do with them.

She may be on to something there. I do not have any such hang ups so to speak. Growing up in a tropical environment I was often in a bathing suit or the not very flattering on me “boob tube”. When you do not have any “boobs” boob tubes just look — weird and useless — like a tensor bandage on a plank.

Nonetheless, I still do not get the big deal. Even if there is some pain or discomfort is that not better than getting breast cancer and not finding out until it is too late to have all the choices you have with an early diagnosis?

I am in my mid forties (ack that seems so old!) and have been getting annual mammograms since I turned forty, it takes all of forty minutes or so. Despite having no family breast cancer history my thinking is hey history starts somewhere.

We have breasts women and we need to take care of them. Schedule your mammogram today! Please. Your “girls” and all the people in your life will thank you and it just may save your life.

So what is the big deal about mammograms?

Resources:

Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Service http://www.cancerboard.ab.ca/abcsp/

Breast Centre Radiology Mammography & Ultrasound – Callingwood

329, 6650 – 177 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5T 4J5

(780) 434-9147

Ed note: This is where I went today. I have been going to the Breast Centre ever since I started but had always gone to their southside location (7121 109 St) but since I live in the NW I shifted this time. While I had no concerns about the other location (other than parking was tricky) I was very impressed with all the staff at the Callingwood location so will likely continue with them.