‘We’re Back’: Hundreds of Calgarians Prepare to Race for Breast Cancer Cure

People of all ages will gather outside Southcentre Mall Sunday to run, walk or use a mobility device along the one- or three-mile route.

.

Hundreds of Calgarians will lace up their running shoes Sunday morning to raise money for breast cancer research at CIBC’s 28th annual Run for the Cure event.

Announcement 2

.

Participants of all ages will meet outside Southcentre Mall to run, walk or use a mobility device along the one or five kilometer route. The Calgary event, the first to be held in person since before the pandemic, is one of 54 taking place across the country, with thousands of people running for a common cause.

.

“We welcome everyone in person after having everything online and going their own way for the last two years,” said Calgary Executive Director Yesenia Leon.

“The message that will be conveyed in this race will be that we are stronger together. We are back as a whole again.”

About 2,000 participants are expected in Calgary, which is 30 to 40 percent more than event organizers saw practically last year.

Announcement 3

.

“We hope that this year we can exceed our previous fundraising goals,” said Leon.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. Funds raised for breast cancer research are used to improve the many treatments available and continue the search for a cure.

Jennifer Dell, a breast cancer survivor after being diagnosed early last year, said her experience with preventive treatments and procedures has shown her how important fundraising is.

Runners near the finish line during the CIBC Run for the Cure race on October 6, 2019. The event drew about 6,000 participants.
Runners near the finish line during the CIBC Run for the Cure race on October 6, 2019. The event drew about 6,000 participants. Jim Wells/Post Media

“There are many different types of breast cancer and many different treatment plans. Every woman I met throughout my journey has a different treatment plan,” said Dell.

“I am grateful for the people who have supported me in previous and future careers, because they helped my treatment plan and supported me in all the ways that I did not know I needed.”

Announcement 4

.

Dell will be participating in this year’s event and looks forward to the community formed with other “Participants of Hope” – those who have cancer or are cancer survivors.

“I feel like having that army around me will give me strength,” Dell said. “The most important thing I can do in the future is to help others, because that also heals me.”

The national race for the cure that took place virtually last year saw more than 20,000 entrants and raised $11 million. More than $480 million has been raised for breast cancer research since the event began in 1992.

The race will kick off on Sunday morning with inspiring stories from participants living with and beyond breast cancer. Then a group stretch and warm-up will lead to the start of the 5K run and then the start of the 1K run.

A closing ceremony with team awards will conclude the event.

More information on how to register for the race, volunteer or donate to the cause is available at cibcrunforthecure.com.

[email protected]
Twitter: @BabychStephanie

Announcement 1

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil discussion forum and encourages all readers to share their thoughts on our articles. Comments can take up to an hour to be moderated before appearing on the site. We ask that you keep your comments relevant and respectful. We’ve enabled email notifications – you’ll now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there’s an update in a comment thread you follow, or if a user you follow comments. visit our Community Principles for more information and details on how to adjust your E-mail settings.


Leave a Comment