Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Rankin Inlet - Veronica Tattuinee of Rankin Inlet heard the words every woman dreads in August 2006.

The results of a biopsy came back positive after she had found a lump in her breast while doing a self-examination.

She had breast cancer.

Tattuinee started chemotherapy almost immediately and left Rankin this past Sunday for the sixth of eight treatments.

Once the chemo's finished, she'll get a short rest before starting five weeks of radiation treatment.

Tattuinee said she was surprised to find the lump and things got scarier after that.

She said she has managed to stay strong during her fight against the deadly disease through prayer and the support of her friends.

"It was hard to accept I had cancer at first, but I found a way to deal with it and I've been feeling fine lately," said Tattuinee.

"I refuse to think of myself as being sick and just try to be as normal as possible.

"Bob (Robert Connelly) is my number-one supporter and has stood beside me since day one."

Tattuinee has her blood checked every week and wears a mask when out in public.

Although she tries not to go out too much, there are things she can't stay away from.

"I just have to go out to the hockey games, so I do my best to be careful.

"I had a hard time dealing with losing my hair this past December, but I take comfort in knowing it will grow back." she said.

"I took my first treatment hard and got sick, but I'm getting used to them now so they're not as bad.

"This is the biggest fight of my life, but this is a cancer that can be beat and that's what I plan to do."

While her last chemo treatment isn't until April 23, Tattuinee plans to take part in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Winnipeg on June 8.

The 60-kilometre walk benefits the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

When Rankin Mayor Lorne Kusugak heard of Tattuinee's plans to join the walk, he wanted to help.

But Kusugak wanted to do more than just open his wallet and contribute money.

He wanted to do something that might open the hearts of others and get them to help, too.

"Knowing the treatment those fighting cancer receive usually results in the loss of hair, I decided I'd shave my head if the community could raise more than $5,200 for her cause," said Kusugak.

"It was fun, created a little bit of excitement in town and the community more than answered my challenge.

"I had my head shaved during the Avataq tournament and, at that time, they had passed $9,000.

"It was pretty funny because I couldn't believe how many people came to see me get my hair shaved off."

Tattuinee said it was very special to receive so much support from her community.

She said her entire family was thankful for, and overwhelmed by, Kusugak's contribution and the support she received.

"I started this at the end of January when I saw an ad for the walk on TV," she said.

"I told Bernadette (Dean) about it and we were just going to quietly register and do our little bit.

"But then the word got out and all this tremendous support came forward for us."

Tattuinee and Dean had raised just under $2,000 when they started putting up notices that Kusugak was going to shave his head.

Their cause was also aided by donations from the hamlet, Kivalliq Inuit Association, local slo-pitch league and an unexpected source.

"When the people of Coral Harbour heard my story they raised $949 for us by holding a Valentine's Day dinner and a penny sale.

"Juanita Taylor has also registered and joined our team, and we're still open for others to join us. "We've raised about $11,000 now. Can you believe that?

"I would never have believed we could raise this much money so quickly."