Volunteers in more than 60 communities across the country are hosting events to gear up for the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, Sunday, October 4.
Organizers in Nanaimo are hosting several activities including an information and registration booth at the Vancouver Island Exhibition, Aug. 21-23, and the Paint Canada Pink Week (Aug. 17-23) pink ribbon decal campaign.
“Paint Canada Pink Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the breast cancer cause and to encourage our community to register and start fundraising for the annual event in Nanaimo,” said Susan Flint, Nanaimo co-run director
“Funds raised will invest in innovative research, health education and advocacy programs that aim to reduce the incidence of breast cancer, lower mortality rates and support women and their families who have been affected by this disease.”
“Paint Canada Pink Week marks roughly 50 days until run day so we are encouraging the community to register and start fundraising — it’s not too late.”
The run is the largest single-day volunteer-led fund raising event for breast cancer research in Canada. Nanaimo is host to one of only two runs on the Island.
Last year 720 runners in Nanaimo raised $113,626, contributing to the regional total of $3.16 million.
Survivor Marjike Peterson is featured as a CIBC Run for the Cure local hero joining more than 130 other local heroes across the country who offered to share their story this year. After being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, Petersen felt her funeral was already well underway. Having not heard much about breast cancer prior, she was learning a whole new language.
“I was almost ready to give up,” she recalled. “Now fifteen years later, I have many more stories to tell.”
The run became a focal point for her for many years. Her full story can be read under the Fundraising Effect on the run website.
Businesses interested in helping ‘Paint Nanaimo Pink’ can contact Flint at sflint@cbcfrun.org.
Join the annual effort Oct. 4 in Beban Park in Nanaimo starting at 10 a.m. Visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com to register, donate or volunteer.
— Submitted by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
