Why we wear pink
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed 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 33 will die from it.
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.
Through dedication and fundraising, over the last nine years WestJet, WestJetters, their friends and family have collectively donated more than $616,500 to the breast cancer.
Of this total, $135,000 is directly attributed to WestJetters who purchased our custom pink ties, scarves, hats, aprons, and pins and wore them throughout the month of October. One hundred percent of the purchase price of these items has been donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and the breast cancer cause.
This year, WestJetters fundraised more than $12,160 for the CIBC Run for the Cure, and an additional $5,170 through the custom pink items. 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.
We had the chance to connect with two WestJetters who shared their personal journey with breast cancer and let us know why this cause is so important to keep fighting for.
Meet Julie, 7-year WestJetter
Julie became a WestJetter on the IT team in 2014, and in 2015, she began her breast cancer journey. Julie was diagnosed with low stage breast cancer. Since her first diagnosis she has had two additional sets of cancer occurrences of the same condition.
When Julie returned to work after her first surgery, she learned about WestJet’s support of the CIBC Run for the Cure and the breast cancer cause. She then participated in her first Run in 2019 where she completed the 5k with her two daughters by her side. At the Run, Julie had the support of her WestJet colleagues who sported her name on their t-shirts as they participated in the Run with her. For Julie, knowing that she works for a company that supports people during their cancer journey is something she very much appreciates.
“It’s so amazing to work for an employer that cares so deeply about the breast cancer experience and having them support me through my personal experience. WestJet works so hard to bring families together during a challenging time for people. I really appreciated being able to have my own friends and family available to come visit when I was going through my own treatment. I’m just honoured to work with a company that will follow up with that commitment” says Julie.
Meet Shauna, 18-year WestJetter
Shauna has been a WestJet Cabin Crew Member since 2003. In July 2013, she was diagnosed with stage 3 grade 3 triple negative breast cancer and started chemotherapy August of that year, she received eight rounds of treatment followed by a double mastectomy.
News of Shauna’s diagnosis in 2013 coincided with WestJet’s announcement of their new partnership with CCS. Despite receiving her fourth chemo treatment on the Friday before WestJet’s first time participating in the Run, Shauna made certain that she was present. Since her first Run experience nine years ago, Shauna has participated in the 5K Run ever since. For Shauna, it was important for her to be present because she could feel the support and spirit of everyone around her and for the breast cancer cause.
Today, Shauna is a breast cancer survivor. She notes, the support that WestJet gives to people affected by breast cancer and to CCS and the Run has been invaluable. “It means the world to me that my company, my WestJet family, backs us in the Run and that they are there to support everybody along the way, everybody out there working to do every little piece they can to help alleviate somebody’s stress,” says Shauna.
Shauna wants people to know there is life after cancer. “We’re one big, huge family. Please take in the support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. We’re all here to help.”
Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month has come to a close, WestJet and WestJetters remain committed to making breast cancer beatable. We sincerely thank you for your support, following along, engaging with our WestJetters, and helping to honour your loved ones who have been impacted, as well all those currently affected by breast cancer.
