Canada AM co-host speaks of hope and survival

When Canada AM co-host Beverly Thomson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, she had herself dead and buried.

"You’re planning your funeral. You hear the word and you can’t think straight," she said. "Then some more common sense comes back and you get to figure out and process all these treatment options."

Today Thomson is cancer free and as the keynote speaker at Friday’s 18^th annual Luncheon of Hope, she said the biggest gift a person can receive is hope.

"The message of hope has to get out there because cancer isn’t a death sentence," she said. "If one person feels more hopeful having listened to another story, then it will give them the ability to put one foot in front of the other when they’re dealing with their friend or their aunt or their mother or themselves."

With about 600 people attending the luncheon, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation hopes to raise about $15,000. Thomson said events like the TBayTel Luncheon of Hope are crucial to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research, treatment and support for those living with the disease.

Luncheon of Hope committee member Tamara Ulok said they chose Thomson to speak at the event because not only is she a breast cancer survivor, but she is vocal about her experience and the cause.

"In her spare time, she likes to go out and spread the word about what’s out there for breast cancer research, education and support. She’s a huge draw for this event," she said.

All the funds raised through Friday’s luncheon stay in Northwestern Ontario and support programs and initiatives like the Linda Buchan Centre, breast MRI and the Ontario Breast Screening Program coach.

Through the past 18 years, the event has raised more than $200,000.