Hope & inspiration: CIBC Run for the Cure returns Oct. 4

On average, 15 Canadian women die from breast cancer every day, and 60 men will share the same fate this year.

“When I was in grade 12, my aunt, who I was very close with, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being in grade 12 at Thurber, I didn’t really understand what that meant. But being on student council, I had the opportunity to bring the run to the school, and I ended up being very involved,” shares Emily Lucas, event coordinator.

Lucas was involved with the event for several years after school, but took a few years away.

Emily Lucas with her aunt, who is a survivor of breast cancer. (Image Credit: Supplied)

She returns now to run with her aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor and a speaker before the run begins.

“Seeing someone come out of it does give me hope,” she adds. “It does run in my family, and I am tested for it regularly, so it’s always in the back of my mind that I may go through this one day.”

For Lawrence Lee, the fight has been one he’s stood alongside his wife Betty for.

She was diagnosed in April 2024 and is also, thankfully, a survivor.

“Betty is doing really well now. It was stage one when she was diagnosed, so really early,” the former Red Deer city councillor and school trustee shares.

“Another thing is the research — looking back at the 90s, there were double the number of fatalities compared to now. There’s still no cure, but it’s the research that’s been developed which has contributed to a better quality of life for people.”

Lee says the diagnosis ultimately brought his family closer than they could’ve imagined.

“The number one thing [during treatment] is knowing that there are people who care about you.”

That caring will be on full display at the event on Oct. 4, with more than 300 people anticipated.

As of Sept. 23, more than $20,000 has already been raised.

Day-of registration for the CIBC Run for the Cure begins at 8 a.m. at Bower Ponds, with an opening ceremony at 9:15, and the run (both 1 and 5 km) beginning at 10.

You can register prior to the event here.

by Josh Hall

Hope & inspiration: CIBC Run for the Cure returns Oct. 4

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