Lace 'em up for Cancer Society's annual Run for the Cure

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC are inviting residents of Sault Ste. Marie to lace up their shoes and come together to make a difference for those impacted by breast cancer at the 32nd annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, Oct. 1. 

Taking place in 53 communities across the country, the run is Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led initiative in support of the breast cancer cause, organizers said in a news release.

The event raises funds for research and support programs to help people facing breast cancer. 

“The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is an inspiring day that brings people, families and communities across Canada together to make a difference for people living with or beyond breast cancer,” says Tanya Henry, vice president of signature programs for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Thanks to our supporters and partners in communities like Sault Ste. Marie, important progress is being made in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Proceeds raised at last year’s run are now supporting researchers to develop an immunotherapy vaccine to treat triple negative breast cancer, one of the most difficult to treat types of breast cancer, and many other promising CCS-funded research projects.” 

Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer among women, with one in eight women expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the CCS.

Over the last five years, CCS has invested $62.6 million in breast cancer research across the country. Today, 89% of women and 80% of men with breast cancer survive at least five years past their diagnosis, the CCS said. Since the peak of breast cancer in 1986, the death rate for Canadians with breast cancer has been nearly cut in half. 

In 2022, 45,000 Canadians came together in person and virtually to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure, raising more than $13 million. Funds raised go towards compassionate support programs like transportation services, accommodation, wig services, an online community and toll-free helpline, as well as making an impact on improved breast cancer outcomes through life-saving research. 

For the past 27 years, CIBC has partnered with CCS, helping transform the run into a nationwide breast cancer movement. Since 1997, more than 10,000 CIBC employees each year have volunteered, fundraised and run in communities across the country. To date, Team CIBC has raised over $60 million. 

The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is open to everyone. Visit cibcrunforthecure.com to register or donate. 

The Sault Ste. Marie run takes place Sunday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Roberta Bondar Park, Tent Pavillion, 99 Foster Dr.

Registration is at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. The 5-km run starts at 9:35 a.m. and the 1-km run starts at 10 a.m.

Learn more and sign up at this link.