Three days after her final chemo treatment for breast cancer, Teresa volunteered at the Markham Hope Breathes Here CPFF Walk for PF on September 20, 2025.
“It was a great day,” she says. “The weather was perfect. Everyone was happy to support a great cause. And my husband and two sons joined me in volunteering for the event. It was just a very positive experience.”
A self-described optimist, Teresa doesn’t dwell on the fact that a head scarf and hat covered her bald head, and she wasn’t physically able to do the Walk.
CPFF provided the perfect volunteer opportunity
Teresa didn’t know anyone with pulmonary fibrosis, or know much about the disease or CPFF, when she became a volunteer. She was looking through a local volunteer website, seeking a limited commitment, in her neighbourhood.
“The CPFF Walk fit the bill,” she says. “I live about five minutes from Too Good Pond, and most of the work was on the day, along with putting up posters in the community ahead of time.”
The Walk came during a tough year
“I survived 2025,” she laughs. It was a difficult year. Early that year, her mother began to need help with some medical challenges and her finances. Teresa was able to help out and still does so.
Then came the breast cancer diagnosis. Her first round of chemo consisted of one-hour appointments and she was able to manage on her own. The second round of chemo meant exhausting four-hour appointments and her son drove her.
“Both my sons and my husband are very supportive,” says Teresa. After chemo, she had 15 targeted radiation appointments. For now, she is stable, taking oral medications and being monitored with regular blood tests.
Volunteering has so many benefits
Teresa has always enjoyed volunteering. “It gives you a sense of purpose, of contributing to your community, and you meet some very nice people.” She has stuffed school backpacks for children with arthritis for the Arthritis Society.
With her youngest son, she worked on the local Canada Day event for several years, until the pandemic. “We started because he needed community hours for high school graduation. Now I encourage him to keep volunteering, because it’s the right thing to do.”
Teresa and her family plan to volunteer at this year’s Markham Walk. She hopes to actually complete the Walk this year. “It’s a good cause and people need to know more about it,” she says. “It gives you real sense of accomplishment to help out and the people and families are amazing. I’m looking forward to it.”