Joanne’s Story

Women Guarding Women: Joanne’s Story

Joanne Burton’s story is one of courage, vigilance, and the power of a friends’s persistence that saved her life.

For more than 30 years, Joanne was part of the Health Sciences North (HSN) family, working across its sites. She witnessed firsthand the compassion and excellence that define HSN’s staff — and later, she experienced that same care in the most personal way, as a patient whose life was forever changed by their skill and compassion.

In February 2007, Joanne turned 50. Her coworker and friend, Sam (Sandra Maslakow), encouraged her to self-refer for a mammogram at HSN’s Breast Screening and Assessment Clinic. Feeling healthy, confident, and ready for the next chapter of her life, Joanne initially put off the suggestion. But Sam was persistent.

“Every day, Sam would ask, ‘Did you make the call yet?’” Joanne recalls. “Finally, she said, ‘If you don’t call, I will.’ It was because of her. She is my guardian angel. I celebrate her all the time.”

When Joanne’s mother-in-law, Marlene, was diagnosed with breast cancer that spring, the news hit close to home. Concerned for her own mother after seeing what Marlene was going through, Joanne quickly booked mammograms for both of them at HSN’s Breast Screening Clinic. “It was a spa-like atmosphere which was warm and soothing, especially for those intimidated by clinical environments like my mom.”

During her mammogram, a clinic nurse found a lump under Joanne’s areola, a site she was told many do not self-check. A mammogram confirmed the diagnosis: breast cancer.

What followed was a long, arduous journey of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and years of Herceptin and Tamoxifen therapy. Through it all, Joanne was supported by her family, friends, and the dedicated team at HSN. She and her family remain deeply grateful for her guardian angel, Sam, and the expertise and compassion of Dr. Brulé, whom Joanne calls “absolutely brilliant” and credits with guiding her treatment, care that ultimately saved her life.

Under local anesthetic, Dr. Brulé surgically removed the tumor while chatting with Joanne about their daughters’ dance adventures and their shared love of peaceful moments fishing on the lake. Today, when Joanne follows up with Dr. Brulé, their conversations often turn to their grandchildren, a testament to the lasting bond formed through care, trust, and compassion.

Joanne’s daughter Ashley, then in her early twenties, remembers the fear of potentially losing her mother. “Watching her strength and resilience inspired me. Because of that experience, and knowing breast cancer affected both sides of our family, I began early screening. You have autonomy over your health. Don’t wait. Early detection saved my mom’s life, and it could save yours too.”

Eighteen years later, Joanne is in remission and remains a strong advocate for early detection. She continues to get annual mammograms and encourages others to do the same. She’s deeply grateful for the care that saved her, the family who supported her, and the women who guarded her along the way.

“I’m living proof that early detection saves lives,” Joanne says. “If my story encourages even one woman to book her screening, then my journey has been worth sharing. Be a guardian angel like my friend Sam — encourage your mother, sister, daughter, or friend to make an appointment. Be tenacious.”

In honour of Joanne’s journey and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Burton Family Foundation (BFF) has generously donated $5,000 to Health Sciences North Foundation. Their gift will support the donor-funded MOLLI localization system, an innovative technology that makes breast cancer procedures less invasive, and recovery faster.

The Burton Family Foundation is also proud to support arts and community initiatives across Northeastern Ontario, reflecting their deep commitment to improving the lives of people in the region.

Your support helps women like Joanne receive the care they need when they need it most. Together, we can continue advancing breast cancer care for the North.

If you’re 50 to 74, book your regular mammogram today – no doctor’s referral needed. If you’re 40-49, talk to your provider about whether screening is right for you or call 8-1-1.