Please help us make this year's Foodfare - Winnipeg Police Service - 2020 in support of Canadian Cancer Society one of the best ever

"My legacy will be funding research that allows others to live extraordinary lives"

Joanne Schiewe was a runner, a triathlete and just plain awesome.

She wasn't the world's most gifted athlete, but she loved to push herself, to see what was possible and usually had a huge smile on her face as she did. That smile was infectious.

Joanne was diagnosed with glioblastoma on February 3rd, 2015, an incredibly aggressive form of brain cancer; the same diagnosis Gord Downie would receive almost a year after.  Fewer than 5% of glioblastoma patients survive five years – one of the lowest survival rates for any cancer.  In the year following that diagnosis, Jo’s treatment would include invasive surgeries, a lifetime dose of radiation and countless rounds of chemotherapy.

The physical and emotional strength required to endure these treatments was incredible… but Jo somehow found a way to do more.  She saw that Brain Cancer needed a voice and that the WPS Half-Marathon race was the perfect platform to step up and become a champion this cause needed.

After her surgeries and radiation therapy, and amid her initial chemotherapy cycles, Joanne raced the 2015 WPS Half-Marathon Relay.  In 2016, she returned to race the entire 13.1-mile course on her own.  Each year, she tirelessly campaigned to raise funds for Brain Cancer research and treatment.  She knew she likely wouldn’t be around long enough to benefit, but it was what Jo needed to do.

The support from within the community and across the country was simply outstanding – this reward kept Jo pushing to do the next interview or attend a press event, even when she just wanted to rest and recover.

Joanne passed away in the summer of 2016, just over 18 months after her diagnosis.  Since then, her partner, family and friends have participated in the WPS event in her honour and continued raising funds in her name.

Jo's story, in her own words can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/184606292

To date, over $150,000 has been raised in Jo’s name.  We’d like to keep that number growing.  Please give what you can.

Thank you.

NOTE - Thank you to Running Room for supporting Jo's fundraising efforts, ensuring every cent raised in her name goes directly to Canadian Cancer Society.  Fundraising agreements within the Federal Government also mean that every one of those dollars will be doubled.

For more information click here to visit the Foodfare - Winnipeg Police Service - 2020 website.