Dar's Derrières - Bum Run 2024

05/16/2024

Dar’s Derrieres & Donors,

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks for the fundraising efforts we've achieved for the Bum Run. Our team is one of the leaders in the country! The recognition of the contribution made by CCRAN to our community is inspiring. Recently, I completed the first three education days with CCRAN to become a cancer coach for Canadians. I’ll finish the training at the end of May.

In my last post, I shared a picture of myself training, determined to participate in the Bum Run on May 25th despite not having run since my diagnosis. Running has been a lifelong passion, from my teenage years in cross country and track and field, to adulthood. It's brought joy, laughter, and camaraderie into my life. I've even been known to run backwards to keep my running buddies entertained with conversation!

As I contemplate the upcoming event, I find myself questioning:
- Is it truly feasible for me to run a 5K at this time despite my training efforts?
- Why was it so important for me to run instead of opting for walking?

Reflecting on these questions, I realized that running symbolizes more than just physical activity for me. By race day, I will have undergone 28 rounds of chemo. While chemo often leaves me feeling depleted in the first week, by the second week, I feel stronger and eager to push myself in my workouts. Exercise provides energy and helps me immensely. However, with each chemo session, I've noticed it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain the progress made in the gym the previous week.

I’ve come to understand that my strength doesn’t need validation through training for a race. Much of this strength stems from the unwavering support and encouragement of each of you. Strength and endurance are not solitary pursuits but are nurtured through love, support, and belonging to a community that uplifts us all.

On May 25th, I will join you not just in motion, but in spirit, laughter, and unity, because that’s what truly matters.

04/10/2024

Dear Dar’s Derrieres and generous donors,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support and generosity demonstrated through your donations to the BUM RUN and CCRAN. Your contributions have surpassed all expectations, and they will play a pivotal role in raising awareness nationwide about the importance of early screening and treatment for colorectal cancer.

Moreover, the support provided by CCRAN goes far beyond prevention and screening. They offer invaluable resources such as education, emotional support, evidence-based information, and research opportunities. Personally, I am honored to share that I have been selected by CCRAN to undergo a six-day training in May to become a certified Psychosocial Colorectal Cancer Coach. This training will empower me to support others who are navigating similar journeys, furthering the mission of CCRAN to create a supportive community for patients and caregivers across Canada.

Despite undergoing 25 rounds of chemotherapy, (with more to come), I remain steadfast in my commitment to lead Dar’s Derrieres on May 25th at 09:00 am at Sullivan’s Pond in Dartmouth for the BUM RUN. Your unwavering support inspires me to continue to heal my body. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by colorectal cancer.

With heartfelt thanks,
Darlene Inglis

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/early-detection-of-colorectal-cancer-saves-lives-colorectal-cancer-resource-amp-action-network-ccran-and-bumrun-join-forces-to-promote-colorectal-cancer-awareness-in-canada-831748488.html

03/10/2024

On Black Friday, November 25th, 2022, I found myself facing a surreal situation that seemed straight out of a science fiction tale. A parallel universe version of myself, Darlene Inglis, was receiving devastating health news: Stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the bowel with metastases to the liver and lungs, with a prognosis of 4 to 6 months without treatment.

Despite my typically good health and active lifestyle, I had noticed increasing difficulty with running and significant shortness of breath over just the previous month. Prior to diagnosis, I experienced some mild fatigue and abdominal discomfort, culminating in what I initially believed was a gallbladder attack. As a Registered Nurse with 40 years of experience, I initially hesitated to seek medical attention, remaining at home in denial until my husband, Brian, insisted we go to the hospital. Six hours later, my world changed forever. Despite no prior health issues or surgeries, I embarked on a journey of IV treatments, bloodwork, a liver biopsy, a portacath insertion, and ultimately 22 rounds of chemotherapy to date.

Facing cancer was very difficult but fortunately I received overwhelming love and support from my husband, sons, their partners, my mom, and so many friends and colleagues. My family sprang into action, researching ways to help me heal. Interestingly, like many others facing such an ordeal, I've discovered a deeper happiness, realizing the true priorities in life. Having worked in healthcare for 40 years, I've learned invaluable lessons from patients and families about adversity, acceptance, endurance, grief, and most importantly hope.

At the time of diagnosis I was told my disease burden was such that I did not qualify for surgery, that my chemotherapy was of palliative type and there was no chance of curative therapies or surgery. One regret that I have is not reaching out the Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) 15 months ago when I was first diagnosed. Two months ago I reached out to Filomena at CCRAN and in this very short time they have been immensely helpful in giving me further hope as there may be greater options for in terms of potential treatments.

I'm dedicated to raising awareness and funds for early detection/treatment of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Please consider joining my running team, "Dar's Derrieres," for this year's "Bum Run" fundraiser on May 25th at 9:00 AM Nova Scotia time, or you may donate to through my fundraising page. Your support can make a difference in preventing and treating this disease.

03/09/2024

See link below to donate and/or sign up to run 5k on May 25th! Thank you all for your support 💙

The team, Dar's Derrières, is raising money for a great cause by participating in Bumrun Halifax 2024 on May 25, 2024. They need your help to reach their team goal. Every donation gets them closer!

03/09/2024