Survivor of the Month: Chantal Laliberte

Chantal Laliberte had been receiving annual mammograms for years.  In October 2003, an irregularity was discovered and after further investigation, Chantal can still remember her emotions when her doctor informed her that she had positive test results for breast cancer.  “I was completely overwhelmed, shocked and I knew it would change my life.”

 Throughout her battle with the disease she was able to lean on both friends and family while she found the personal strength she needed to go through this ordeal.  Today she is a survivor, or “thriver,” as she likes to call it.

 Although all of the support from her friends and family was appreciated, Chantal couldn’t help but feel a bit of concern for them as they watched her go through her treatments.  “I felt like they were worrying for me and I wanted to give them reassurance that I was going to be fine, so I began to tell everyone that I was going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.” As an active outdoor person before the breast cancer,” the more I said it to people, the more I realized it was some­thing I really wanted to do,” she recalled, “not only for me but as an inspiration for others and their families going through the same journey”.

 Undertaking such a daunting task as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain range (19,340 ft) on the continent of Africa and one of the “seven summits”, would at first seem unreal for anyone, much less a woman battling breast cancer but Chantal made it a reality.

 Laliberte was not only lucky enough to find found a group of fellow breast cancer survivors who also were interested in climbing the mountain but she found a group led by Tusker Trails that was going to be climbing Kilimanjaro to raise money for breast cancer awareness something Chantal has been passionate about since her own personal trek with cancer.  We were lucky enough that she picked “Komen for the Cure” as her donation organization of choice.  Chantal’s fundraising goal is to raise $19,340, a dollar for every foot of her climb.

 We are happy to report that this past January Chantal made it to the top of the mountain with members of her group one day ahead of their 10 day schedule.  For Laliberte, a hiking and biking enthusiast, the successful trek highlighted a few milestones.   “Being at the top of that mountain was confirmation that my body was back and a celebration to recognize and acknowledge myself for what I had been through,” she explained.  “It was extra special because it was climbing with other survivors who would personally understand this journey not to mention it was an opportunity to give other women out there currently fighting breast cancer hope and proof that there is life and fun afterwards.  

To be involved in other Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut Affiliate projects, visit our website or call (860) 728-4955.