October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, and the CIBC Run for the Cure is one of the biggest annual fundraising events supporting breast cancer research. On Sunday, October 6th, thousands of breast cancer survivors and community members gathered in Edmonton, raising $600,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The event, held in 53 communities across the country, gives participants the chance to run or walk a 5 km or 1 km route. In 2024, the Run for the Cure has raised over $15 million nationwide.
For years, Valentin and his family have participated in the event to honour his late wife. “I lost my wife two years ago. We fought her battle together, and I know she would be happy to help others stay strong,” Valentin shared. His daughter, Roxana, added, “Losing my mom to this disease was incredibly hard, but seeing so many survivors here gives me hope and reminds me that it’s possible to overcome.”
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The CIBC Run for the Cure unites Canadians who are committed to changing the future of breast cancer. The event helps fund critical research to improve survival rates, shape health policies to reduce the risk of breast cancer, and support those diagnosed. It also aims to raise awareness and build a national support system, ensuring no one has to face breast cancer alone.
In Alberta, The 30th anniversary of the CIBC Run for the Cure took place at Foote Field on the University of Alberta’s south campus, with over 2,700 participants raising $600,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. “We grow by about 10 percent each year, and we’re thrilled with this year’s turnout,” said Kathy Zeissler, a volunteer at the event. “The funds raised support research, treatment, and funding. We hope for a day when there’s a cure for breast cancer, and we won’t need to run for everyone anymore.”
Source: CityNews