Three years ago, Matthew Bear was told there was a 50% chance he would not live to see his three young children grow up.

"I was completely devastated," he said of his cancer diagnosis. "I was told in May of 2009 I would need a pair of bone transplants to cure me."

Bear was told at the time he would need a pair of marrow transplants from his own body. The marrow was eventually collected from by extracting his stem cells following chemotherapy treatments.

"The chances looked very slim and I just about gave up. I eventually opted for treatment in the summer of 2009," he said.

Doctors were able to collect enough marrow for just a single transplant. Bear said his chances of survival dropped to about 30%.

"The thought of going through more chemo was unbearable. I opted out and took my chances with the one transplant. (In) October 2009 the transplant began and I was four weeks in the hospital," he said.

More than two and a half years after his transplant, Bear plans to take part in the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s Challenge for Life scheduled for Sat., June 9 at Assiniboine Park. The event, now in its fifth year, has raised millions of dollars for cancer treatment and research, with money staying in Manitoba.

Bear is one of the many participants this year pledging to raise at least $1,000. As of last week he had already raised nearly $3,000 in pledges.

 CancerCare executive director Annittaa Stenning said the $1,000 fundraising commitment can seem daunting for some people.

However, the fact they are actually help reduce their own risk of being diagnosed with cancer is a good incentive for individuals to take part in the 20-kilometre walk, she said.

"This is serious money for a serious cause," she said.

Check stops will be marked along the walk route while participants, supporters. Members of the public are encouraged to remain at Assiniboine Park for a post-walk celebration on the Lyric Stage.

For more information visit cancercarefdn.mb.ca

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rob.brown@canstarnews.com