Runners rally for the fight against breast cancer

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By: Brady Rynyk

Sunday, October 4^th marked the 18^th annual Canadian breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC Run for the Cure, a fundraiser race that takes place in 56 communities across the country.  This year, close to 30,000 participants gathered together in Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

The event brought together people of all ages and walks of life to help show their support by participating in a 5km run that stretched down University Ave and wrapped around Queen's Park, and a 1km walk that concluded at the same finish line as the run.

Sandra Palmaro, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region said, "Each year the Run inspires thousands of people to join together to support a cause that affects so many in communities in the GTA, across the country and around the world." The field of runners included close to 1000 teams and individual runners flooding the downtown core dressed in a wide variety of pink tutu's, hair dyes, headbands, hats, rocker wigs and mohawks to show their spirit and help draw spectator support to the cause.

Spectators and supporters lined the street to help motivate the runners with an endless supply of cheers and inspirational signs.  In addition, at random spots along the course just past the 2km marker, local musicians including a steel drum band, some horn blowing UofT students and a group of rock bands pumped up the participants with their own up beat tunes while the recording sensation Jersey Boys kicked off the closing ceremony.

Today, breast cancer is the most common cancer attacking females as it affects one in every nine Canadian's during their lifetime resulting in 22% of all women between the ages of 20-59, while accounting for 37% of all new cancer cases.

Studies show, that in 2009 alone, approximately 23,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer which will result in an estimated 5,400 deaths (and an additional 50 deaths in men).

With so many women and families affected by this insidious decease, the CIBC Run for the Cure has lead to so many advances in research and treatment since the first event run in 1992 at Toronto's Hyde Park that drew 1,500 participants and raised $83,000. At the close of today's race a total of $26.5 million was raise across the province, including a $4.1 million from the Toronto event at Nathan Phillips Square.  Leading the charge was Richard Nesbitt who won the Determination Award after raising $13,150 and Roseys Friends and Family Team who raised $36,000.

Sunday's Run for the Cure, the kick-off to October's Breast Cancer Awareness month proved to be a great success and demonstrated just how runners gather together to help make a difference.

For more information on how you can help or donate please visit www.cbcf.org