DAY 6: MILDRED (MILLIE) JANES
 At first, I didn’t understand why Kevin Wallace would be interested in dedicating a day in honor of the Betty Wallace Women’s Center to me. “But I don’t have breast cancer!” I exclaimed when first approached about the idea. I didn’t feel that I was worthy. When I learned that part of Kevin’s goal was to promote the center for all women and that he wanted to help women and honor those who had successfully used the Betty Wallace Women’s Center to prevent breast cancer, things became clear to me.
Although I didn’t understand at first, I am honored to be a part of building a better community through supporting Kevin in his bid to race across America.
My journey began 15 years ago when I discovered that I had a lump in my breast. That lump was removed, and I hoped that I would never have to go through that experience again.
In December 2005, I discovered that I had developed another lump in my breast during a physical exam.
All I can remember about that time was panic. I didn’t understand what was happening. Life was a blur. I willed myself to regain consciousness and tried to use logic to get through the period where I had to wait for my results. I told myself, “Stay calm and wait for the test results.” My whole family was affected as well. I recall my son Robert being very stressed and concerned during the ordeal. If something were wrong, I would be more concerned about my family and how this would affect them.”
As I drove down Highway 401 to receive my test results, I thought to myself, “What happens in the next hour could change my life.”
A needle biopsy determined that I had a pre-cancerous lump in my breast. Due to my physician finding the lump early, it was successfully removed in March. By this time, I had faced the potential for having to fight the disease and I was prepared. I worried about the other women who would have to get much worse news. Throughout my experience, I have learned that there is an inner strength that you draw on when you find out something could be wrong.
I am very grateful that I have successfully avoided having to deal with breast cancer as a result of having routine breast exams and following up on the lump as soon as it was discovered. The staff and physicians at the Betty Wallace Women’s Center were beyond expectation. The center is very attractive and is a pleasant place to be. The Staff are very comforting and my physician, Dr. Padanou has the best bedside manner imaginable. Recently, I visited him for a follow up. As he entered the room, he didn’t even sit down. He looked at me and said those blessed words, “No Cancer.”
I would like to recognize my family for their support and also my dear friends, Rose and Jeff Daigle from Moncton, New Brunswick. Although I have not been a very religious person, I knew that if they were praying for me, God was listening.
I’ll be thinking of you, Kevin. Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do to help the women in our community.
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Post Race Reports/Articles
Read post race articles from Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail, Danny Chew of RaceAcrossAmerica.org, and Race Crew commentary. Read More.
A Note From Kevin on Day 6
I must say I am both humbled and appreciative of each of your comments. They mean so much to me providing much needed energy to myself and my team. Read More.
Dedications
As the endless miles attack Kevin's legs and soul, he'll draw strength from
thoughts of these eight courageous women. Read More.
Kevin's Message
I would like to thank my friends that are not on my crew during the race but have been part of the crew in preparation. Read More.
The Quest
Team Race makes it official. Our intent is to break the Mens SOLO RAAM record. Read More.
Kevin's Gear List
I am packing some last minute items on the eve of flying out to start line and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Read More.
Kevin's Reflection from RAAM 2004
To compete in Race Across America (RAAM) was a dream come true. Read More.
The World's Toughest Race
Still the numbers are provocative and set ones mind to churning, and when the churning is done and the initial disbelief lingers. Read More.
RAAM DNF - The Noble Defeat
Today we will explore some of the DNF Dragons that have seduced, cajoled, and downright wrestled past RAAM riders to give up. Read More.
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