Light up the Lake

5K run or walk comes to St. John’s in support of pancreatic cancer

Connie Walsh is a pancreatic cancer survivor who says she is thrilled to be running in Newfoundland’s first Light Up the Lake five-kilometre run or walk in support of people fighting pancreatic cancer.

“Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ comes with a wide mix of emotions,” said Walsh.

Walsh was 45 years old when she was diagnosed in August 2013.

It took months for her to be diagnosed and, after extensive treatment, she is among the seven per cent who survive the disease.

“There’s relief knowing that I am one of few survivors,” said Walsh. “But theres also survivor’s guilt.” Walsh, who is a nurse, believes her key to survival wasn’t just the early diagnosis, but also her advocacy.

“Maybe it’s just because I’ve worked in the hospital for so long, and I am familiar with the staff,” said Walsh.

“But I believe everybody needs to stand up for themselves if they feel that something isn’t right. You have the right to see a specialist, and to demand the best treatment available.”

Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with more than 60 per cent of patients being diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, as stated in the annual report by the Canadian Cancer Society.

“With such high death rates, the disease leaves thousands of Canadians with nowhere to turn,” said Walsh. “This is why it is so important for people to come out and support the run, where all of the funds raised stay here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Light Up the Lake run or walk begins at 5 p.m. tonight at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s with runners and walkers leaving at 6 p.m.