My name is Martine Sormani-Dasse-Hessler. I am a retired teacher and like many others of my generation (I am 71 years old), I am active and have a number of interests which include singing in a choir, learning Italian, cross-country skiing, and my biggest passion – walking. That is how the idea to create my own fundraiser for the Cedars Cancer Foundation began, following a diagnosis of early lung cancer in the fall of 2022, and undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatment at Cedars Cancer Center. My goal is to raise funds in support of cancer research and patient care.
Over the years, walking long distances has become second nature to me, whether it be on trails or around town. That's why, right after my lobectomy and chemotherapy treatment, I wanted to partner with the Cedars Cancer Foundation to raise funds while honouring my passion. For 3 days at the end of May, my husband and I will walk the ‘Chemin d’Alphonse’ which is a 60-kilometer trail between Saint-Eustache and Pointe-Calumet (Basses-Laurentides).
The care I received as of August 2022, including surgery and general oncology, helped me to maintain my moral strength and hope. The specialists that I continue to meet regularly during my treatments and follow-ups are attentive, respond to all my questions, and understand my dismay as well as that of my family. Furthermore, I received excellent nutritional counseling as well as psychosocial support and access to the resource center. It is to express my gratitude and appreciation that I have decided to partner with the Cedars Cancer Foundation as a beneficiary of the funds collected in my initiative. I humbly request you join me in my efforts to raise $1,200 to further research and care for cancer patients. All funds raised will be donated to Dr. Jonathan Spicer and Dr. Linda Ofiara and their teams. Follow the link below to donate today! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support.