WE DID IT EVERYONE!

This post is dedicated to all of you amazing people that have donated to my fundraising initiatives for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. I am touched by the overwhelming support from everyone: relatives, former co-workers, Carnival Spice crew, friends from high school & University, Carnival Siblings, clients, and even people that I don’t know! It has been a beautiful process.

With that said I am excited to announce that I have reached my personal goal of $1250 and so have all my teammates’ a.k.a “The Bosom Buddies”. We will officially be completing a 32km walk THIS Saturday with thousands of other awesome women! My next individual fundraising mark is $2000 and this will determine if I am eligible to walk on the Sunday.

I would also like to shout out all of the awesome women who came out Thursday night for the “Bosom Buddies Dance-Fitness Fundraiser” in benefit of the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. The one-hour workshop was held in downtown Toronto at The Citadel dance studio... boy did we have a time!

#SWEATYSELFIE

Sister, Mom, & Me

Hooray!!

Women of all ages and ethnicities came out to donate, sweat and dance up a storm. Everyone was also quite excited to receive some of my "Carnival Spice" (HA!). 

Video Clips:

 

 

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImzDIWcka-E
 

 

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp7cpgJRGKc


 

Additional Clips:

(1) http://instagram.com/p/sSK5gru7MK/

- Di energy was high!

(2) http://instagram.com/p/sSbVIZrsXL/

- As you can see from the clip above, my 20 month year old nephew Matteo made for a great assistant; he enjoys any opportunity to dance.

The Weekend To End Cancer is in 5 Days which is more than enough time to make an even bigger impact! If you haven`t had an opportunity to donate please click HERE !! Whether small or big, your contribution is GREATLY appreciated.

I will be dedicating my participation in the walk to 3 amazing women:

(1)             Carolyn Van

 

This young woman is a true inspiration. We met in the dance world through the performance and training group Army of Sass. At the age of 28 Carolyn was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer this past March. She has used her strength in social media to document and share her journey through fighting young adult cancer. PLEASE PLEASE visit her blog…. It is truly powerful -> http://cvkickingcancersass.com

(2)            ``Sistah Angie``

I have known this lady since I was a little girl.  Every time I see her it is so refreshing! She is so loving, positive, plus she makes THE BEST lasagna I have EVER eaten… and trust me, I have eaten A LOT of lasagna in my life time. As she battles the Big C, I ask that you all keep her in your prayers. She is a true fighter and will be this thing.

(3)            Kay Blair

Kay has been a community activist for years and has achieved a plethora of accolades for her contributions. Although I have never met this woman, her work has made a great impact on the development of my career and I truly appreciate her. Kay, my sister and I thank you for your efforts and we all know you will get through this!

XO to you all <3

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Meet the Bosom Buddies

On September 6th and September 7th 2014 my teammates and I will walk in support of the many individuals and families affected by cancer. With today being the 2-month mark I thought it would be great to give a shout out to the Bosom Buddies:

Team Bosom Buddies Are:

Team Captain & Aunty: Audrey Isaacs

Sister & Partner in Crime: Siobhan Bent

Cousin & Fellow Capricorn: Melissa Isaacs

Family Friend: Dawnette Elvie

Church Sister: Janet Champagne
Myself: Shakera Martin

THE WALK

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is an awesome fundraising campaign hosted by Shoppers Drug Mart. It consists of a 2-day, 60-kilometre or 1-day 32-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. Each walker is expected to raise a total of $2000 that will benefit Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – a leader in the fight against all women's cancers.

WHY SHAKERA WHY?

I’ve said it once and I will say it again, “I Am Shakera Martin & I Want to End Cancer”.  One of my biggest pet peeves with Cancer is that it strikes at any time in the lives of any one. NO ONE IS SAFE. I have witnessed way to many families left broken because of this disease. My decision and commitment to complete this journey (fundraising & walk) is based on love for my fellow sisters, mothers, grandmas, daughters, nieces, and friends everywhere. 

 

Throwback photo with my sister & mom <3

PUT IN WORK

I truly did not realize how far 60km was until I began training (ha!).  I have been using my friend Google maps to find locations that are 60km away from my home. This is such a horrible exercise! It only built up my anxiety. Then I tried to determine how many kilometers I (unknowingly) walked during Day One and Day Two of Trinidad Carnival – but half the time in Trinidad I wasn’t sure where I was (lol) – so that exercise did not help either. How far is 60km ya’ll? Someone give me an idea  :p

What I do know is how much $2000 dollars is… and how challenging it can be to make that amount of money in allotted time.  The Bosom Buddies have some fundraising events coming up in the next few weeks – for dates and event details visit CLICK HERE

Carnival Spice & Everything Nice will be hosting dance fitness workshops in August as well to raise funds so PLEASE stay tuned!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

      (1)   PRAY: For the safety of the walkers, organizers, and volunteers apart of The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers … but more importantly pray for the families that have been affected by cancer – they need your prayer and love the most. <3

     (2)  Please DONATE to this journey as it’s yours, too. Whatever you can will be appreciated if it’s coming from your heart. 

      Click HERE To Donate Online:

Or

We can also meet me in the GTA if you are more comfortable with using cash!

Thank you to those who have donated thus far 

- Love you lots!

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com