(Red Deer - Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure Facebook page)

By Alessia Proietti

Over 30 years

CIBC Run for the Cure returns to Red Deer this Sunday for breast cancer research and support

Sep 27, 2023 | 12:52 PM

For over 30 years, the CIBC Run for the Cure has taken place in Red Deer and it’s returning this Sunday.

On October 1, participants can walk or run through the trails of Bower Ponds, raising funds for breast cancer research and support.

Janet Dixie, Director of Logistics and Community Engagement for the city event, says over 180 participants have already registered for the five- or one-kilometre options. The run takes place each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving weekend.

She says while all community events are important, this one “pulls at your heartstrings”.

“This is just something that the people who come out are very dedicated to and it is very important to them. We all have that impact from cancer. There’s nobody who you can talk to that says they don’t have somebody in their life that has been impacted by cancer,” she said.

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Beginning at 8 a.m., she says there will be a kids tent with crafts and glitter tattoos and a Hope Lounge for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing breast cancer, where they will be pampered with special treats in a quiet place to hang out.

A dog-friendly event, she says there will also be a doggie-lounge for pets, who have traditionally participated dressed-up in pink costumes.

This year’s goal, she says, is to raise $72,000 with the funds going towards breast cancer research and supports.

According to the organization’s website, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. However, there has been a 49 per cent decrease in breast cancer mortality rates since the mid-1980s, in part due to the advancements in research.

They state the run is the largest single-day volunteer-led event for breast cancer in the country as funds have helped thousands of people get to their breast cancer treatments through transportation options, peer support programs, and provided over 3,100 wigs, headwear, and breast protheses.

Dixie says she has no doubt Red Deerians will come together for the cause.

“The community is so great. We have those who have been doing this for so long and I have the utmost faith in that they’re going to do their best to the charity that they love and that they do this for a reason,” she said.

Participants can register up until the start of the run at 10 a.m. on their website. Donations will be accepted until one month following the event.

For more information, visit cancer.ca.