WestJet commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with first-hand accounts from impacted WestJetters

This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, WestJet is sharing the stories submitted by three WestJetters who have been impacted by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among Canadian women and it is estimated that about 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime and 1 in 34 will die from it. It is estimated that more than 28, 000 Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Since 2013, WestJet has supported the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) with the gift of flight to assist with direct program service delivery, reduction in business administration expenses, and bolstering fundraising activities.  We are proud to be the official airline of CCS and the CIBC Run for the Cure.  

These impactful stories showcase why this cause is so important to keep fighting for.  

Colleen began her career at WestJet as a Customer Service Agent in Winnipeg in 2012. That same year, she began the process of testing for breast cancer after discovering a lump. Colleen felt scared when she received her diagnosis and credits her family and the WestJet team at YWG for helping her get through such a difficult time. Throughout her journey, Colleen felt supported by her WestJet family. Empowered by Colleen’s diagnosis, the YWG WestJet team wanted to do something to support breast cancer research. They formed Team BREASTJET in 2012 and ran for the first time in the CIBC Run for the Cure. This supportive community of current and former WestJetters has been participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure every year for the last 12 years. As a group, they advocate for early detection and encourage everyone to self-check and see a doctor if they notice any changes. 

In 2013, Shauna was diagnosed with stage 3 grade 3 triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. This year, Shauna is celebrating 11 years of being breast cancer free. Shauna is grateful to her WestJet family for having her back throughout her diagnosis, treatment and recovery. There was a time she did not think she was going to make it, but she appreciates every day as it comes. Shauna is passionate about sharing her story with others so people know that miracles can happen and there is life after a cancer diagnosis.  

Over the last 11 years, WestJet, WestJetters and their loved ones have collectively raised more than $721,833 for breast cancer. These much-needed dollars will go toward funding ground-breaking breast cancer research, compassionate support services, trusted cancer information and advocacy on behalf of all Canadians.  

Further reaffirming their commitment to breast cancer awareness, WestJetters will be donning personalized pink neckwear this month with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society as a tribute to loved ones who have or have had breast cancer.