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Graham Paine, Champion photographer
GETTING IN GEAR Nicole Chuchmach gets in some training at the Milton Fair Grounds in preparation for her big run to New York City.

Graham Paine, Champion photographer

GETTING IN GEAR Nicole Chuchmach gets in some tra...

Graham Paine, Champion photographer

Going the distance in memory of mom Fundraising tribute will take Chuchmach to New York
By Stephanie Hounsell

News

Oct 30, 2007

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"If only." Those two words have run through Nicole Chuchmach's mind a lot over the past year.
... If only her mom had seen a doctor sooner.
... If only her family had known the symptoms of rectal cancer.
... If only her mom was still alive.
Still, Chuchmach, 29, knows there are more constructive things to do than lament over what can't be changed.
So she's taken on a monumental project to help others avoid the pain and suffering her mom and family went through when the doctor gave that awful diagnosis of rectal cancer.
"I want to share my mom's story with everyone," Chuchmach said. "If my mom had gone in to see the doctor when she first had symptoms, then she could still be here with us today."
Chuchmach recently launched Sophie's Run, named after her mother, who died last year.
Starting in September of next year, Chuchmach will run the 800 km from Milton to New York City over eight weeks. Her goal is to run to CBS News and get anchor Katie Couric's attention.
"My mom was a big fan of hers and Katie Couric is a big advocate of colon cancer (awareness)," Chuchmach said.
Partnering with her for the run is the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC).
SPREADING THE WORD
Chuchmach wants to raise money for the CCAC and spread the message far and wide that colorectal cancer can be treated, and the earlier it's caught, the better.
Although colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in Canada, affecting both men and women, it's not talked about much, she said, probably because people are too embarrassed.
But that embarrassment could be costing lives.
Chuchmach wants to inform people of the symptoms to look out for, and also encourage screening for early prevention.
According to the CCAC, symptoms can include a change in bowel habits -- diarrhea or constipation -- that lasts more than a few days, blood in the stool, narrower than normal stools, a feeling that the bowel doesn't completely empty, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal bloating and cramps, unexplained weight loss and constant tiredness and anemia.
Almost all cases of colorectal cancer begin with the development of non-cancerous polyps. There are no symptoms at this early stage -- when the disease is very treatable -- which is why regular screening is important.
Screening methods range from a simple stool test to a colonoscopy.
Prevention methods include a healthy diet, a healthy weight and regular exercise.
Chuchmach's mom, Sophie, knew something was wrong. She had various symptoms and had lost a lot of weight. But she didn't go to the doctor out of fear, Chuchmach said.
"My mom and I argued about going to the doctor for about two years," she said.
By the time Sophie saw a doctor and was diagnosed in 2005, the cancer was too far advanced.
Chuchmach decided to become her mom's primary caregiver.
Running became a release for her -- a chance to get out of the house while her mother was sleeping and sort through some of the thoughts rattling through her brain.
RUNNING THERAPEUTIC
Running was a sort of therapy for Chuchmach, who said it helped her deal with her grief.
At first, she couldn't get very far before she found herself out of breath. But gradually she ran further and further, and was soon topping 60 km each week, and eventually 120 km.
"The worse my mom got, the further I jogged," Chuchmach said.
Sophie passed away September 15, 2006.
The first year after that, Chuchmach returned to school to get her MBA -- something her mom was adamant about.
This year, Chuchmach decided to devote herself fully to the fundraiser, taking a year off work.
If she was going to do it, she was going to do it right.
Chuchmach said she's floored by all the local support coming her way. Several people -- including firefighter Jill Harper -- will be running with her. And groups including the Milton Hockey Association, the Leslie Wells Charity Slo-Pitch Tournament and the organizers of various golf tournaments have voiced their desire to help.
At a recent gala to launch Sophie's Run, more than 200 tickets were sold, with many people asking her how they or their companies could get involved and donate to her project. It raised a staggering $35,000.
A poignant moment came when the theme song for the event, entitled "I Will Heal," was sung for the first time.
Chuchmach said if one person hears her mom's story and goes in for a check-up, she'll know she's made a difference.
"I'd do pretty much anything for my mom," she said.
For more information on Sophie's Run and how to make a donation, visit www.sophiesrun.ca.
Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at [email-masked].

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