Just six weeks after treatment for breast cancer, Veronica participated in the 2009 Weekend To End Breast Cancer (since, renamed The Weekend To End Women’s Cancers). Out of gratitude for excellent treatment, she envisioned ways that she could further help The Princess Margaret and The Weekend. A former actor, Veronica struck on the idea of producing a music video that would celebrate the emotions surrounding The Weekend To End Women’s Cancers and create greater awareness of the fundraising walk. Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made For Walking’ was the perfect song for the video. Veronica’s hope is to see it become a YouTube sensation around the globe.
The video took the assistance of several parties to bring to fruition. Nancy Sinatra and Boots Enterprises, along with Criterion Music Corp., graciously provided a gratis licence for the use of the song. A fortuitous introduction between Veronica and film director Jill Carter gave the idea momentum through their artistic collaboration. Ms. Carter also facilitated the use of a professional film crew and post production team. The ‘dancers’ all had ties to The Princess Margaret – some as survivors, others as longtime participants in The Weekend To End Women’s Cancers. New Balance was pleased to provide matching pink running shoes for each of the participants in the video. Boston Pizza supplied catering on the day of the shoot.
The filming took place on Saturday, March 6 in the hallways of The Princess Margaret. Veronica and choreographer Stephanie Graham had created a spirited dance; one that participants could master on short notice. Included in the dance team was 97-year-old Kitty Cohen, a three-time participant in The Weekend To End Women’s Cancers. Friends, family, survivors and employees of PMH arrived to create a ‘pink crowd.’ The colour pink permeated the day.
From the director and crew through to participants and rights holders of ‘These Boots Are Made For Walking,’ all the services were graciously provided pro bono.
The Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend To End Women’s Cancers takes place in six locations across Canada. There are both one-day and two-day options available in Ottawa (June 5-6), Calgary (July 24–25), Edmonton (August 7–8), Vancouver (August 14–15), Montreal (August 28–29) and Toronto (September 11–12).
Since its inception in 2003, 78,000 have participated across Canada in The Weekend To End Women’s Cancers (and its predecessor, The Weekend To End Breast Cancer), contributing $226 million to support breakthrough breast and gynecologic cancer research, clinical enhancements and survivorship support.