Central Albertans came together to raise more than $30,000 at the Canadian Cancer Society's CIBC Run for the Cure in Red Deer.
Nearly 200 people participated in the annual fundraiser at Bower Ponds on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 6. The event, which is held across numerous communities throughout Canada, is the country's largest single-day, volunteer-led event in support of people affected by breast cancer.
Money raised will fund breast cancer research, offer support services to help people better manage life with breast cancer, shape healthy public policies to prevent cancer and support those living with the disease, and offer breast cancer information to Canadians.
"Whether you run for yourself, a loved one, a friend, a colleague or someone who's passed from cancer, each step you take today is a step (in support of) everyone affected," said Janet Dixie, director of Red Deer run.
"The need for collective action has never been clearer and your support today can make a real difference. The biggest issues related to breast cancer are (having) increased access to care, providing income support and reducing the financial burden. We can work together."
Nationally, more than 55,000 participants and volunteers across 53 communities nationwide came together for the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, raising more than $15 million for those affected by breast cancer.
Cancer survivor Ruth Clarke shared her story with the crowd prior to the Red Deer run, which had 1K and 5K courses.
"Six years ago, my life took a sharp turn when I received a diagnosis that turned my life upside down: breast cancer," Clarke said.
"Just before my diagnosis, my daughter — and I'll never be able to thank her enough for this — insisted I get a mammogram screening. Honestly, I was ready to wait a few more years. I thought I was still too young. I was only 54 and there's no (history of) breast cancer in my family.
Clarke pointed out that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
"No one is too old or too young for cancer. Remember that someone's mom, grandmother, sister, friend, partner, cousin, aunt or neighbour could be that one in eight," she said.
"During surgery — through chemo, radiation and surgery — I clung to one promise: I would dance on a table at my grandson's wedding. That thought kept me going through the tough days.
"Now here I am in my sixth year, participating in the Run for the Cure. It's been incredible to see first-hand how this funding supports research and resources for people like me. This funding helps us focus on what really matters during treatment, rather than sweating over the small stuff."
For more information on the Canadian Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.ca.
