"Cause I Can" Judith Cantor's fundraising projects

Kiss goodbye to MS

If ever you were going to wear red lipstick, today's the day! It's World MS Day and MS Australia are encouraging ever to join the celebration by adding a splash of red lipstick to their pouts.

In further support of this wonderful cause, I'll be walking 9km on 6 June for the 2010 MS Walk in the Sydney CBD.

I was first confronted with the effects of MS when a friend of mine was diagnosed with the disease in her early thirties (which is the typical age of detection). The irony of it all was that I met her en route to run the 14km City to Surf only two years before!

She went through a rollercoaster ride of emotions - paralysed by the fear that she may be paralysed by the disease - and pain.

Thankfully her family and friends rallied around her, and she could afford incredibly expensive treatment.

I am pleased to report that she is now in remission and has since got married and is expecting her first child in a couple of months!

But not everyone is as lucky as her, and it is something that she will always need to be vigilant about. There is no known cause or cure for Mutilple Sclerosis.

Can you help?

Please sponsor my walk so that researchers can continue their work into the causes of MS and hopefully find a cure. Visit http://register.mswalk.org.au/MS-Walk-and-Fun-Run-Sydney/judithcantor and give whatever you can spare. All donations will be greatly appreciated, and any over $2 are tax deductible.

Thanks so much.

Four of 100,000 supporters

Last Sunday, my mum, my sister, family friend from Norway and I joined 99,996 people across Australia walking or running for breast cancer research in the Mother's Day Classic.

We couldn't have asked for better weather or a friendlier, more welcoming community event. It was wonderful. And to have been able to share the experience with three mums on Mother's Day made it even more special.

Some of the tributes we read tacked on to people's backs made us teary but it was the sheer joy and celebration of the women who had not only survived, but thrived, that set the overall tone. What an accomplishment! What a battle to have won.

And, contrary to my initial thoughts, I know a few more people who have (had) breast cancer. Tanya, Marilyn, Heather, Sheila and Ziona, our 8km walk was for you!

Thank you to everyone who sent me words of encouragement and support. They meant so much to me. My fundraising page is still active so if you are able to, please make a donation so that we can make significant change together - both to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and society in general. Visit http://sponsor.eventarc.com/sponsor/view/1987/judith-cantor today.

Blessings.

A mum and her girls

Every year I'm reminded of how many women are affected by breast cancer. How many people know people who have survived it, have it, or have died from it.

I'm incredibly lucky that only a handful of people I know have had to fight it. Thankfully two of them - my aunt in South Africa and my hairdresser of 12 years (and therefore long-lasting friend) - are doing really well. One in remission and one currently undergoing chemotherapy but standing strong.

But it could have gone the other way. Quite easily.

Can you imagine if we found a cure?
That's why I take part in the Mother's Day Classic. In hope.

This year, for the first time, I'll be walking the 8km track with my mum and sister! I'm excited. I'm even thinking I may be able to coerce my nieces into foregoing their teenage ways and getting up early to join us!

Please support me in doing the hard yards on Sunday? They're absolutely nothing compared to what someone with breast cancer has to go through, I know but every dollar helps the National Breast Cancer Foundation, truly.

Visit http://sponsor.eventarc.com/sponsor/view/1987/judith-cantor to make your donation.

Thank you!