Running for a reason

By Angelica Haggert

 

They were dressed in pink, sporting tutus, ribbons and face paint. They were there for their mothers, daughters, aunts and friends.

More than 1,000 walkers and runners took part in the 5-kilometre CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday Oct. 1 down Riverside Drive to raise research funds and awareness for breast cancer. Across Canada, the event raises $17 million annually.

The run began in 1997, raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society. CEO and President Lynne Hudson hopes one day no woman will have to go through breast cancer.

“[The run] is made possible thanks to the support and dedication of thousands of donors, participants, partners and volunteers across the country,” Hudson said in a tweet. “I’m confident that together, we can create a world where no Canadian fears cancer.”

 

More than 85,000 Canadians across 56 communities took part in this weekend’s event. It is the 21st year that CIBC was the title sponsor of the run.

Christina Kramer is the executive run sponsor and said CIBC is proud to be involved.

“We are proud to support the Canadian Cancer Society and the work they do to bring us one step closer to conquering breast cancer,” said Kramer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada. In 2017 alone, 5,000 Canadian women are expected to die from breast cancer.