Although I think this is a good idea, I question the timing and the title. I think that this decision should have been made before the advertising started, the t-shirts were printed, the donation forms set up, etc. Since this didn't happen it should have been put on hold until next year.
Also, I'm not sure how we explain to our sponsors that Breast Cancer is once again being considered a women's disease. We know that men suffer from this disease as well and we have passed this message along to our sponsors and potential sponsors over the past six years. We don't want to retract this information since it is correct and important.
I also have concerns about the numbers we could be looking at. The start of the walk has always been a problem because of the number of walkers all leaving at the same time. I can't imagine what it will be like with walkers for a one day walk starting off at the same time as the two day walk!
I would love to know what the thinking is and how this decision was made. I think people will be very confused!

k8t · Member

Changes to the event

grannyp · Member

I'm curious. In what way do you think it's being diluted?

k8t · Member

Many of the participants to WEBC are passionate about the breast cancer cause. Expaniding to other causes, while it most certainly will enhance the enrollment number and invariably increase the total $$$, it takes away from the original intent of the event.

In reality, it has to be rebranded as it is no longer the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and would be misleading to participants and the public.

I will wear my pink lanyard proudly, whatever they call it.

Just my 2 cents.

-- Edited by k8t at 19:40, 2009-02-24

Doc · Member

I kind of like the inclusiveness of the new intention (although I agree that the name for the Weekend might need to change -- unless we always link Breast Cancer as the unifying energy that has brought together such a positive event).

Anyone struggling with cancer right now would be happy to know that fundraising efforts are being contributed to their cancers as well. I feel bad for the people struggling with the rarest forms of cancer that receive very little fundraising efforts, and somehow I believe that if we find a cure for one type of cancer, many types of cancers will benefit as well. Why not make this fact public?

I would like to think that someone struggling with breast cancer would not be opposed to help given to others also undergoing similar experiences with surgery/chemotherapy/radiation/emotional struggles with cancer. The goal of finding a cure is the same for everyone. Most importantly -- the emotional bonding that is experienced in this event is so phenomenal (from what I've heard) that I can't imagine not wanting to make it an inclusive experience for people with various cancers (which I believe it already is... just not as publicly as now). Ok -- those are my 2 cents too

Emz · Newbie

my only concern with the new changes, is that a number of my donations have come from men. THe fact that they stipulated in the title of the event that it's to benefit other WOMEN's Cancers.... is very inappropriate in my opinion.

Especially for the men who have breast cancer.

Landisg · Veteran Member

To me it will always be The Weekeend to End Breast Cancer...no matter what, but it was because of of CANCER outright that i decided to join and walk for this particular cause.

My reasons I walk are/were for BREAST CANCER as my Grandma died at 67 because of her reaccurance of breast cancer. My dear cousin Sandra died after battling breast cancer for 5 yrs. ( after all the chemo etc...never once did she go into remission)
My Grandmother (mom's mom) had breast cancer...my grandmothers mom died from cervical cancer and my great great grandmother died from Ovarian Cancer.(They definitely are connected in my mind. )
I also believe though that if we find a cure for one type of cancer NO matter the type...be it breast etc.... we will find eventually the link and cure for all types....

When I fundraise.... yes breast cancer is my main concern....but this year I WILL add items for other cancers.... Ive lost a total of 9 family members now to CANCER... (my dad & my father in law both lost to lung cancer)
My friend Chris lost her daughterKrystle (21yrs) this past summer to a rare cancer in her tongue and mouth...I have three family members who are on the survivors list and a dear friend who is again dealing with chemo/radiation as her cacner has reaccured in her arm with the possiblility that she may loose her arm..... (She spends a great deal of time @ PMH)

I do understand the concern that this new addition brings to walkers....but CANCER is Cancer....be it breast , tongue etc.... thats why I focus all my time in this cause (in Toronto & Ottawa) and talk about them all when i fundraise.... cause its NOT just ppl that have breast cancer that come up to my tag day tables to talk....and when they ask why I walk/fundraise for breast cancer(or in TORONTO) I tell them....CANCER is cancer and I felt I need to help somehow so I chose this one and PMH researches for them all !
Hugs
Landis
(Team Captain of the Boobie Doobie Doos)

"WHY do I WALK?

Because I CAN!"

I walk with COURAGE, FAITH & HOPE for a brighter future. ONE that will someday be FREE from all CANCERS!"

-- Edited by Landisg at 14:06, 2009-02-25

-- Edited by Landisg at 14:08, 2009-02-25

Noreen · Senior Member

Well, I'll still be dying the pink ribbon in to my hair, and wearing my pink floufy skirt. :) I've know many people with breast cancer, but I've know even more with many different cancers and that have passed away from cancer. If I could ride a bike more then 2 feet, then I'd do the ride as well, so I'd know I'm raising money for all cancer.

bmyers · Newbie

Although I think this is a good idea, I question the timing and the title. I think that this decision should have been made before the advertising started, the t-shirts were printed, the donation forms set up, etc. Since this didn't happen it should have been put on hold until next year.
Also, I'm not sure how we explain to our sponsors that Breast Cancer is once again being considered a women's disease. We know that men suffer from this disease as well and we have passed this message along to our sponsors and potential sponsors over the past six years. We don't want to retract this information since it is correct and important.
I also have concerns about the numbers we could be looking at. The start of the walk has always been a problem because of the number of walkers all leaving at the same time. I can't imagine what it will be like with walkers for a one day walk starting off at the same time as the two day walk!
I would love to know what the thinking is and how this decision was made. I think people will be very confused!

Naamphong · Senior Member

K8T,
I too was very disappointed to see the email in my inbox that stated the walk was now for all cancers. I have struggled with this journey as I have lost my best friend since childhood as a result. I am doing this for her and her memory, I do not want to share it with other cancers that took my Dad and that I have survived. I am not sure how I feel about it, but I am not happy about the change after I signed up.

/sighs
Naamphong

JulieK · Senior Member

I'm more concerned about the move to a one day walk. Doesn't feel right to me somehow. I liked that we were really pushing ourselves. I liked the overnight. I liked waking up a second day motivated to go for it.

I do like the on-line registration though... yea!

Doreen H · Veteran Member

I'm with you about the one day walk. I like the feeling of accomplishment walking 60ks. I love the bonding that comes from the overnight. The whole weekend experience was a life changing event for me. I'm not sure that the one day walkers will feel the same way.
Doreen from Ajax

cmastinsek · Member

I'm even disappointed about no day zero!! It was always such a fun start to the weekend and I think it's a great intro for the new walkers. I know the walk is going to have to make changes to keep going, but it's too bad that they are making the changes they are. I even found last year's walk a little quiet compared to the years before!!

Naamphong · Senior Member

Did I miss something? Oh gawds I hope it is still two days, I just sent out a load of letters! Why all the confusion? Has it always been like this? I am concerned!

Noreen · Senior Member

Not to worry Naamphong! The walk is still 2 days. They've added the option for people to decide if they want to walk just 1 day (and only raise $1,200). I think that most people will probably still do the 2 days.
I can't imagine just doing the 1 day, and then going home. It would feel like I didn't finish! :)

Noreen · Senior Member

I just realized (after reading the posts here) that there's no Day Zero this year??!! I saw something about it posted here and though I'd better check on the website.
I have mixed feelings about that. It'll be really nice not to have to get downtown to day zero, and I won't have to take a vacation day at work either, BUT.....
I'm really going to miss Day Zero. I enjoyed going and meeting and talking with people while in line for the safety video. That's a great time to meet new people. I'd usually then see the people during the walk, and it was really nice.
It also always gave me a chance to show off my pink ribbon hair before the event. Haha.

tferus · Veteran Member

I agree, I'm kinda sad that Day 0 is going on line. I liked meeting everyone on Friday afternoon and getting our team photo done as well.

grannyp · Member

No-one is saying breast cancer is only a women's disease but cervical, uterine and ovarian definitely are. I attended the symposium at PMH on Saturday and heard first-hand that enough links have been found, especially between breast and ovarian cancer, that I believe this is a really good move. While those other cancers may not be so prevalent, they are just as bad as breast cancer for those who do get them. The fiancee of a friend of mine just died two weeks ago of ovarian cancer (which I understand has a much higher mortality rate than breast cancer) so from my perspective, this is a very timely change.

And don't forget, you choose which cancer your donors' dollars go to. You can keep on funding breast cancer or choose one of the other three.

tolou · Veteran Member

No Day Zero

I think more than anything I will miss helping Chad out and capturing all the pics of walkers with him on Day Zero. Don't know how we will get his shirt signed unless I carry markers and walkers sign it as they encounter him.

Still not the same as far as I am concerned and I have already scheduled the day off!!!

ctex123 · Member

Hi Everyone,

I too think the one day walk is not going to give people the true inspirational feeling as the two day. But then again, there are alot of people who might only be able to walk the one day...so why should they not make the effort? I do not like the idea of no Day 0 though, my sister is joining me in the walk this year and I was really looking forward to taking her for Day 0 to get her pumped up and to share the entire experience.

Naamphong · Senior Member

I called yesterday for clarification and asked why someone had not been on the boards. They are afterall 'their' boards. I was assured that someone would be here to clarify. As a first time walker this is discouraging and disheartening.

Noreen · Senior Member

Trust me Naamphong, as a first time walker, you are still going to have such a great experience!!!! I think for the most part, the even will be the same. You'll still be walking with tons of people that are walking the two days. And even though not having Day Zero is a bit of a let down, honestly you can look at it as one less thing on your to do list. You can just relax on the Friday rather then fighting traffic and trying to set up a time to meet up with your other teammates to make sure you get your tent together etc.... :) I know I'll miss Day Zero, but I'll just make sure to chat with everyone else that much more on Saturday morning. :) And I know come Friday, I'll probably be relieved that I don't have to drive from Brampton to Toronto.

So Naamphong, you really will still have a wonderful time, and it'll still be sooooo much fun!!! :)

hjackson · Member

I think it is great that the proceeds will benefit other cancers and I do agree that the changes would have been less confusing if they had been announced after last year's walk. I am guessing this has been done because registration is down and they are trying to boost it instead of letting the event dissolve.
Personally I think that part of the excitement of the event was the fact that it was a 2 day walk, it made it different than all the other events. People that do just one day will be missing out and hopefully they will want to do the whole thing next year.
I admit I will miss Day Zero, except for the safety video!
Cheers Walkers!
Heather

Ashley Costa · Senior Member

I agree with Louise and Noreen in regards to the office taking away Day Zero.
I also thought it was stressful the day of, to get down there, find parking, and find a time and meeting place to meet the rest of my team - but that was all in the fun of it. haha

I will really miss signing Chad's shirt, having my team photo taken, and of course, trying to find all my message board friends to take photos with..

But yes, in end, we have another day to train (haha) and another day to rest our feet before we venture on our two day, epic adventure :)