Spotlight on the stories of these two survivors and participants in Ride de filles
Think of all the women around you. Your mother, your sisters, your cousins, your nieces, your aunts, your friends, your neighbours. In Canada, it is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. An alarming and disheartening statistic that cannot be ignored. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have, once again, reaffirmed our commitment to women who have undergone partial or total mastectomy through our association with the Ride de filles organization.
Throughout October, for every bra sold in store or online, $1 will be donated to Ride de filles. The money raised will then be donated to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, the only Quebec charity entirely dedicated to fighting it.
Today, we invite you to discover one of the many faces of this disease through 2 touching interviews with 2 Ride de filles participants who won a photo shoot with Lulu Hughes and our team.
Mélanie Girard
Hi Mélanie. Nice to meet you. Tell us, where are you from?
I was born in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and live in Princeville, a town in Central Quebec.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Positive, cheerful, and dedicated to the people around me.
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
March 1, 2018. I found my lump during my breast self-exam. After that, everything happened within a year and a half: biopsy, surgery, and partial mastectomy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed.
What helped, comforted, or made you feel good during your fight?
The presence and support of my loved ones. My mother and my partner. For me, 50% of healing is staying positive, in my heart, in my mind. It's a time when you have to learn to take care of yourself.
What did you learn about yourself during your journey?
Simplicity is key. I also learned to put things into perspective, to leave the negative behind and focus on beauty and positivity. You have to fully savour life and the moments we have! Three years ago, I took a motorcycle course and it turned out to be a wonderful idea. It has become a passion that I can share with others.
Tell us about your experience with Ride de filles
A long-time customer learned that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was greatly touched by my story and, through our discussions, she extended a special invitation to me to participate in Ride de filles.
This is my second time participating this year, and it's simply incredible!
All the women passionate about motorcycling who join this event do so not only for their love of motorcycling but also to support a noble cause by fundraising. Once you've experienced the unique atmosphere of Ride de filles, you can't do without it! It's a truly magical and exceptional day, where every moment is precious. Sharing this special day with other female motorcyclists is unforgettable. The excitement that drives all participants, from beginning to end, is magnificent.
When you're on your motorcycle, you can't see the beginning or the end of the line because there are so many people. We're talking about over 1000 women. Each of us goes there with the same determination, in a spirit of camaraderie that transcends words. Ride de filles is much more than just a motorcycle event. It's an opportunity to make exceptional encounters and contribute to a cause that is close to our hearts.
What did you think of your photo shoot with Lulu Hughes and the Lingerie Emma team?
It was an extraordinary experience. When I got back, my partner laughingly said, "You're completely crazy!"
That day was full of emotion and excitement. At first, I was a little stressed, but after 30 minutes, the stress turned into pure pleasure. I can hardly believe the results achieved; it's a great victory for me.
Sylvie, who took care of me, truly understood my needs. It was my first experience with a corsetiere, and I can only say, "wow!"
Finally, what advice would you give to women?
Every cancer story is unique. Everyone experiences it differently. My advice: surround yourself with your loved ones. Accept the help offered to you. Also set your limits, respect yourself! If you don't want to see anyone for a day, you have the right.
Take the time to listen to yourself, stay positive, and get your screenings. That's the key!
Julie Roy
Hi, Julie. Nice to meet you. Tell us, where are you from?
I am from Magog, in the Eastern Townships. I spent over two decades in Montreal before returning to Magog 17 years ago.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
I love life. I am positive, in everything and everywhere. I am also resilient.
Julie Roy
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many activities were suspended and I was on forced leave, I began to experience particularly intense menopausal symptoms. Worried, I took the initiative to consult a healthcare professional. After several examinations, some of which were delayed due to pandemic restrictions, I finally got a medical appointment. That's when things took an unexpected turn.
Following in-depth examinations, including an ultrasound and a biopsy, I was faced with agonizing uncertainty regarding the final diagnosis. Then, the dreaded phone call from the doctor arrived: breast cancer.
At this stage, I had not yet received details about the severity of the disease, but one thing was clear: events unfolded at a dizzying pace.
Barely 4 days later, I was summoned to meet with a surgeon. Even with a careful self-examination, it was impossible to detect the cancerous mass by palpation. This demonstrates the crucial importance of early detection. I was informed that I was at stage 3, with a triple-negative form of cancer, which further complicated the treatment options to consider.
I was offered 2 choices: partial or total mastectomy. I told myself that my life was worth more than a breast. Luckily, my lymph nodes were not affected. This was followed by 6 months of chemotherapy.
What helped, comforted, or made you feel good during your fight?
My 18-year-old son, who helped me with everything. A real upside-down world! My close friends who supported me, my dog who forced me to go out and with whom I went to the dog park almost every day. There, people recognized me and asked how I was doing.
Stay active. Move when you feel good. It's difficult at times, but you have to see the good side of things. One of my friends was fighting cancer at the same time as me. We communicated regularly to exchange our feelings.
Despite the punch, you have to remain positive.
Tell us about your experience with Ride de filles
My cousin from Granby, who participated in Ride de filles for many years, kindly invited me to join the event as a fighter.
She did it on my behalf, and I finally waited until I felt better to accept her invitation. I have now participated in 2 editions, and I must say I loved every minute!
We shared memorable laughs, and there was a great emotion in the air. It's truly an experience to live. Seeing all these women with breast cancer raising their fists in determination, with faces full of encouragement, is incredibly moving. When we enter the villages, there are often tears of joy.
Ride de filles still makes me cry so much because it gave me such precious emotions. It's an experience that goes far beyond a simple motorcycle ride.
What did you think of your photo shoot with Lulu Hughes and the Lingerie Emma team?
When my name was announced, I was taken by surprise. At first, I was reluctant to the idea. Even before my battle with cancer, wearing a swimsuit was a source of apprehension for me. Accepting one's body at 52 years old represents a real challenge. I decided to participate to support the cause.
When I finally walked through the studio doors, my state of mind underwent a profound transformation. I was fully determined to invest myself completely. Despite my mastectomy, I felt the need to preserve my femininity, to feel beautiful. The sight of feminine and elegant bras and the support provided by the team brought me great joy and a sense of companionship.
I sincerely wish every woman who has concerns about her body to have a similar experience. It is essential to remember that we are all beautiful in our own way.
The team was fantastic, and I felt a deep sense of comfort and well-being throughout this adventure.
Finally, what advice would you give to women?
Surround yourself with positive and benevolent people. Resilience and positivity are invaluable assets on this journey. Remember that each day brings a little more light. Tomorrow will be better than today, just as the day after will be even more so.
Taking care of yourself is essential. Listen carefully to your body, give yourself the rest you need. Don't forget that you don't need to be a superwoman all the time. Accepting your vulnerability is a sign of strength.
Touching women and stories
We would like to sincerely thank the 2 winners of our photo shoot. Your testimonies and our meeting with you will forever be etched in our memories.
Thank you!
