In April, people across Canada raise awareness and dollars for cancer research and treatment. This year, on Vancouver Island, a breast cancer survivor named Mavis Mitchell is walking the talk. She’s trekking up and down the rolling east coast of Vancouver Island to let people know there is life after the terrible disease.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Mavis Mitchell began her journey through cancer in 1987. Ten years and three rounds of treatment later, Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor, has decided to mark the anniversary by undertaking another journey. She’s walking from Parksville to Victoria to celebrate her triumph over the often deadly disease and to raise awareness and funds for cancer research in British Columbia. Mitchell begins the 150-kilmoeter walk on April 19 and is due arrives in the capital on April 25.

“At first, I was doing this trip quietly – just for me,” says Mitchell, a 53-year-old grandmother. “But then people started to get interested in what I was doing. I decided I wanted to give back some of the time I was given through treatment.”

Family, friends, and community have shown support for Mitchell’s journey by donating services and dollars. Proceeds will go to breast cancer support and research at the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre.

At the end of the walk, what does Mitchell hope to achieve? “I want to raise awareness for this terrible disease and to raise money. I want people to look at me and see there is life after cancer.” You could say Mavis Mitchell is walking proof.

The BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Foundation congratulate Mavis on her initiative. The organizations will hold a reception for Mavis on April 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre, 1900 Fort Street, Victoria B.C.

A new ear of cures is on the horizon. Recent developments in cancer research, care and treatment mean new hope for the one in three people whose lives are touched by cancer. The BC Cancer Agency and the BC Cancer Foundation launched the Millennium Campaign to raise $100 million to set the stage to find the cures for cancer. Within that goal is a $5-million project for the new Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. The funds will go to build a new laboratory research floor in the new centre – the first medical research facility on Vancouver Island.