Thursday marks World Cancer Day, a day many hold close to their hearts.

Everyday approximately 43 people in Alberta are told they have cancer and Okotoks' Billie Richardson has heard those words.

Richardson was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in February 2014 at 39 years old and began treatment in March of that year.

Her treatments included a bilateral mastectomy and six rounds of chemo which lasted around five months. The treatments were a success and Richardson is now a thriving survivor.

She says the care given at the facilities who receive funding from charities like the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is incredible.

"The nurses and the doctors, no matter what my treatment was or what my circumstances, were just amazing," Richardson says. "Those people are all heroes. They have angel wings under their outfits, they really are interested in having you, not just survive, but thrive."

Richardson at the 2014 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. (Photo Courtesy: Billie Richardson)

Richardson's colleague Paul Hyland took part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in her honour in 2014 where she met him at the finish line.

Last year, Richardson was able to take part in the ride with Hyland from beginning to end.

"Having finished the ride last year in 2015 with Paul across the finish line was amazing," she says. "It means so much to have those people there volunteering on their own time, it just takes your breath away. It's an amazing experience of human spirit."

Richardson plans on doing the two day bike ride again this year from Aug. 6-7.

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefits research, trials, and care at cancer centres across the province.

To learn more about how to get involved with the event click here.

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