CIBC Run for the Cure is less than eight weeks away.
Breast cancer survivor Vikki Scott, 56, of Red Deer, said research money raised by the event has made a huge difference in diagnosis, surgery and treatment.
“The research they do is just awesome because it gets us in so fast. We can get in, do it, and get out,” said Scott who spoke about her cancer experience on Wednesday to support the run, which is set for Oct. 6 this year.
Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2009 and had a mastectomy the next month, followed by chemotherapy.
It wasn’t long before she had another mastectomy when precancerous cells were found in her other breast.
She said breast cancer is a difficult thing for survivors to talk about because it brings back memories.
“It’s a reminder of what happened to us. It’s not a nice thing to go through.”
Last year, about 1,200 people raised $289,000 in Red Deer’s CIBC Run for the Cure.
In 2012, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation raised a total of $30 million from coast to coast for breast cancer research, education, awareness and advocacy.
Scott attended the Red Deer run the year she was diagnosed. She was too tired to participate but she could feel the energy.
“They’re there for one cause and one cause only. They’re all wearing pink. They get everyone up,” Scott said.
Red Deer Run for the Cure will be held at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. The opening ceremony is at 9:30 a.m. The run starts at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:15 a.m.
So far, 30 teams have signed up for the local run. The number of members per team varies.
Emily Engebretson, spokesperson Run for the Cure, said the event continues to attract a lot of participants because many people know someone impacted by breast cancer.
“It’s so inspirational and exciting for everyone to be there. I think this year will be even bigger than it has been in the past,” Engebretson said.
For more information, visit www.runforthecure.com.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com