Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/669595
I met Erica Rogers several years ago. She was part way through her cancer journey, having been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 55. Erica was treated at CancerCare Manitoba and was very grateful for the care she received for nearly a decade. She was full of life and strong in her convictions. Throughout the years she and I, along with her partner Terry, shared many hours of conversation. One of the things we planned for during those conversations was her wish to leave a legacy gift to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Erica was touched by the many women she met during her cancer experience and was very moved by the personal care they received from CancerCare's many programs. She wanted her gift to support these vital initiatives and impact the experience women diagnosed with cancer – in the future – would receive. During my time as CEO of the Foundation, I have often remarked that I truly wish I'd had the opportunity to meet and say thank you to the special people who leave legacy gifts. This does not happen nearly enough but with Erica it did. I feel so privileged to have been given this chance. Planning gave us both tremendous joy as we were ab le to imagine how her gift would help change other women's lives. We could envision together how Manitoba women would benefit from her foresight and generosity. Sadly Erica Rogers passed away in November 2015. I will always remember how I felt when I received the news from Terry. She was a very special woman and I'm blessed to have "heard in her heart" how much CancerCare Manitoba meant to her. Thank you Erica for your generous gift. Erica's Story as told by Annitta Stenning Annitta Stenning CancerCare Manitoba Foundation President & CEO One of the things we planned for during those conversations was her wish to leave a legacy gift to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation."