It may come as a surprise but one Okotoks cancer survivor said being diagnosed changed her life for the better.

Carolyn Beauchamp was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2008. She survived and is now giving back by raising money for cancer research. Beauchamp was one of many who participated in the Canadian Cancer Relay for Life at the Okotoks Recreations Centre on Friday.

“Cancer has really changed my life, definitely for the better,” said Beauchamp.

The fourth annual relay saw 100 participants walk 12 hours around the track at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. Participants could sign up as teams of 10 or on their own.

Carolyn Beauchamp was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2008. Beauchamp participated and fundraised for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Friday and Saturday morning at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

She described cancer as an emotional journey that started with feelings of guilt and “crying sessions.” Now cancer free, Beauchamp said she’s more compassionate than she was pre-diagnosis.

“I’ve slowed down a lot of things in life, I don’t have to be in a rush anymore,” said Beauchamp. “I can take it and appreciate what’s around me. I don’t have to panic. I’m just calmer.”

Beauchamp is closer to her family, including her two children and husband Dale, now than before. She was going to participate in the relay last year but she was too sick to even get out of bed.

She said the Canadian Cancer Society and Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary were wonderful during her treatment.

“I discovered the lump myself, then the next day I had a mammogram, the next day I had a biopsy and that confirmed it and 21 days later I had the surgery,” said Beauchamp, who lives in Okotoks.

Unlike most patients, Beauchamp didn’t want to hear her chances of surviving despite being diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer. She preferred to think of fighting the disease as a journey.

“I think that I am strong enough that I didn’t need to have a barrier that said 20 per cent of the people kick the bucket,” said Beauchamp. “I don’t care what you think, I’m a tough fighter.”

In 2009, nearly 200,000 participants in the Relay for Life raised $51 million for cancer research. The average Alberta participant raised $400 in 2009.

“I think a lot people want to give to cancer but nobody asked them,” said Beauchamp.

When she was going through treatment Beauchamp was put in touch with other survivors who helped her deal with the disease. Walking the relay and raising funds makes her feel she is giving back to the fight against cancer.

“You can meet someone who is just starting their journey and give them the power of your support and your journey,” said Beauchamp.

She said she is planning on participating in future relays and her family is entered into other fundraisers.

rnorthrop@okotoks.greatwest.ca

http://www.cancer.ca/

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