Photo: Survivors embrace at the Riverfront Festival Plaza for the 2014 “CIBC Run for the Cure.” Photo courtesy of Steve Lutsch.
Oct. 1 is The Canadian Cancer Society’s CIBC Run for the Cure – Riverfront Festival Plaza!
The CIBC Run for the Cure definitely has come a long way! Here is a look back as the event organizers plan for the future.
Canada wide the event started in 1992 when a group of volunteers began a movement that raised $85,000 for the breast cancer cause. The momentum grew from there and in 1998 Windsor participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure for the first time and a group of dedicated local volunteers gathered at the St. Denis Centre.
This year marks the 20th anniversary in Windsor as part of Canada’s largest single day, community driven, fundraising event in support of breast cancer.
Terry Ann Fauteux is a survivor, participant, and past team captain. She will be doing the Run once again for 2017 with her daughter, proudly for the 19th time.
She shares her experience over the years with Biz X now: “We have been joined by many friends, families and survivors. I look forward to seeing all of the survivors on stage and seeing the sea of pink. It really is an extremely emotional experience for anyone especially if it is their first time whether you are supporting a survivor or a survivor yourself.”
As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The accompanying photographs illustrate how it is all about coming together as a community of people who have a personal connection to breast cancer, putting our arms around the survivors and showing our support. It is an inspirational day that goes far beyond the funds raised, the CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to join together in honouring their loved ones, and make a real difference.
Terry Ann’s daughter Renee Fauteaux Bezaire agrees.
“For me it’s just the emotions when I’m there, excited, happy, and grateful,” she expresses. “I have memories from before mom’s breast cancer to now seeing her on stage as a survivor. I get teary eyed and choked up seeing her up there. It’s an emotional yet happy and fulfilling experience to be a part of. ”
From its humble beginnings the Windsor “CIBC Run for the Cure” has since grown to raise a total of $3,759,155 and almost 26,000 have participated in the event over the last 19 years. Funds raised have been invested in the most promising breast cancer research that is leading the way in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, as well as funding Canada’s leading breast cancer patient support network.
On February 1, 2017, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) joined forces to increase operational efficiencies and further our impact all types of cancer for all Canadians. Proceeds from the CIBC Run for the Cure will still be directed to support the breast cancer cause at CCS.
Locally funded research at the University of Windsor over the years have included Rosa-Maria Ferraiuolo’s study on why some breast cancer patients do not respond to treatment. As well, Dr. Jim Brophy and Dr. Margaret Keith study which provided critical new evidence about workplace risks associated with breast cancer that, in the future, may lead to a better understanding of how to prevent the disease.
Over the last 20 years, CBCF has invested over $280M in breast cancer research. These investments have led to numerous discoveries that have significantly changed the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 42% in the last 25 years primarily due to the increase in mammography screening and improved treatment options.
Join in on October 1, 2017 and help celebrate their anniversary year and all survivors. Volunteer, donate or participate. Organizers are looking forward to focusing on the participants and volunteers that make this event special every year. For more information refer to: CIBCRunForTheCure.com or their Facebook page.
Taken from the September 2017 issue of Biz X magazine
