Longtime Challenge for Life participant walks to honour family members

Lord Roberts

Since Challenge for Life’s inception in 2008, Brenda Dahle has laced up for the 20-kilometre walk 18 times and single-handedly raised around $30,000.

Her involvement has always been deeply personal. She lost two sisters, an aunt and a cousin to cancer. More recently, both Dahle and her husband received treatment for cancer.

In May 2021, Dahle experienced pain radiating down her left shoulder and arm. She went to physio, but that didn’t help. Finally, she received a referral from her family doctor for an MRI.

Even though Dahle never smoked a day in her life, she received a diagnosis of lung cancer in November 2021. She underwent 22 radiation treatments and received immunotherapy every three weeks for two years.

“I was very motivated to get better,” she said. “In 2022, my two granddaughters were born. They kept me going.”

Her husband’s prostate cancer treatments were also effective.

“We are really grateful to CancerCare Manitoba,” Dahle said. “All the funds raised through Challenge for Life stay in Manitoba, and my husband and I have benefited from the state-of-the-art treatments and the outstanding care they deliver.”

Dahle said the only side effect she experienced during immunotherapy was a rash.

“It was very minor and could be treated with antihistamines.”

Since Dahle’s immunotherapy concluded in May 2024, she has received CT scans every four months and remains stable.

“I feel great, and I’m looking forward to the walk,” she said.

Challenge for Life will be held at Assiniboine Park on Saturday, June 13. In addition to raising a minimum of $250, participants can choose from a 20-km or 5-km walk, or a fun and varied 200-minute workout. The options can also be completed virtually from June 6 to 13 if in-person participation is not possible.

The Challenge also raises awareness about different types of cancer and the importance of staying active and taking preventative measures.

The funds raised support an internationally renowned team of healthcare professionals. Funding goes toward research, cancer prevention and early detection, clinical trials, and patient and family support services.

Dahle encourages anyone interested in making an impact on cancer treatment to sign up. “Join our team, Sister Act. If you can’t join, please donate,” she said.

For more information or to sign up, visit challengeforlife.ca or call 204-927-LIFE (5433).