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Challenge is small compared to woman's battle for her life continued from p.1 Ireland, an Oakville resident, has been involved with Birmingham Gilgan House on Sixth Line, one of eight Wellspring centres in Ontario. There is also a centre in Calgary and one will open in Edmonton next year. Last year, while on vacation, Ireland, 38, found a lump in her breast and made an appointment with her doctor as soon as she came home. Eight weeks later, she had surgery for an aggressive form of stage 3 breast cancer. "I was lucky that my doctor took me seriously even though I was young," Ireland said. A month after surgery , in November 2012, she started chemotherapy , which she was on until the spring. This spring, she completed radiation. "Today, I am feeling a lot better. A lot more like myself," she said. Along the way, a breast cancer support group at Wellspring helped her cope. "I didn't really know anyone who had been diagnosed with cancer. It was helpful to meet other women in the same situation with the same fears," Ireland said. "There were also women further along in treatment who told me what to expect or what to ask my doctors. It also gave me an hour where I knew I would be out and meeting with people. That was very helpful." Ireland also took advantage of a cooking class run by a dietician, as well as seminars with experts including physicians. The centre offers exercise classes, yoga, quilting and discussion groups on topics like returning to work or talking to teens about cancer. In May, Ireland raised more than $2,500 for the Lace Up For Love walk to support Wellspring, which she did with her eight-year-old daughter, Sarah. 13 | Friday, October 4, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com After Sam went to Wellspring, I saw how it changed her demeanor. Watching her go through the battle of her life, literally, I am sure I can ride a couple of kilometres. Troy Hare He has been riding two to four days a week, 50 to 100 kilometres at a time. He gets together with other participants for long rides, or for a recent 3 a.m. jaunt to get used to cycling at night. "I was nervous. I wasn't sure I could go that far," he said. "This gives cycling a purpose for me. I am supporting Samantha, but the collateral is, that it supports a whole bunch of people." Wellspring charges no fees and receives no government funding, so programs and operations are made possible through donors. To donate to Troy's ride, visit www.wellspringride.ca, click on Sponsor a Participant and enter Troy's name. For information on Wellspring, visit www. wellspring.ca. For related story, see p.9 Oakville resident Next week, her husband Troy will take part in the Wellspring Peloton Challenge -- a supported relay ride from Oakville to Austin, Texas, which runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20. Five pelotons of six riders will travel more than 3,000 kilometres. Each team will ride for six hours and have 24 hours to drive to their next relay point. The ride continues unbroken, 24 hours a day from Ontario to Austin. Teams will ride an average of 120 kilometres in each shift. At the end, participants will be met by a Wellspring Warrior -- someone who is fighting or has fought cancer. In fact, Samantha was chosen as a Wellspring Warrior and will be waiting for Troy at the finish line. "It became clear to me that the hospital is good at treating the biology of it, but we are all more than biology. After Sam went to Wellspring, I saw how it changed her demeanor. Watching her go through the battle of her life, literally, I am sure I can ride a couple of kilometres," Troy said of his decision to do the challenge. When Samantha told Troy about the peloton last winter, he had just bought a road bike and had only been out a couple of times. Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. 18kt. white gold pendant, 13 round brilliant cut diamonds 2.37ct., SI1-SI2, fancy brown colour, 13 round brilliant cut diamonds 0.28ct., SI, G-H, 165 round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.83ct., SI, G-H-I, (Gemscan Replacement Value $8,600) You can have this one only, for $4,300* The Highest Quality, The Lowest Price. Guaranteed. 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. with CORK FLOORING CORK WALL & CEILING COVERINGS CORK HOME DECOR CORK GIFT ITEMS INSTALLATIONS Voted #1 Flooring Store in Oakville Over 400 shops, restaurants and services WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE? FALL FEST - OCT 5, 11AM-4PM Events brought to you by the businesses of Downtown Oakville COME SHOP, DINE AND EXPLORE! Incredible Shopping, Specials & Entertainment for all! Cork: Natural, Renewable, Sustainable,Versatile, Comfortable, Beautiful D IS S C O V E R T H E BEAUT TY OF CORK! 905.257.5588 · www.corkhouse.com 2441 Neyagawa Blvd., Oakville