United in fight against cancer
Published Monday October 6th, 2008
Under sunny blue skies on a picture perfect autumn day, a sea of pink wove its way through the streets surrounding Old Government House.
Organizers estimate about 3,000 people took part in Sunday's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-CIBC Run for the Cure.
Co-run director Barb Thompson said that almost everyone has been either directly or indirectly touched by breast cancer - a disease that kills 5,300 Canadians each year, according to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
"It's not just the woman or the man who has breast cancer, it's also their families, friends and communities," said Thompson.
"But today is a fun day where everybody gets to celebrate people who continue to fight and live, to celebrate the money that's been raised all year long, and we're celebrating the work that all of the volunteers do."
Thompson said this year's event raised more than $300,000 for cancer research.
She said Fredericton's Run for the Cure, now in its 10th year, wouldn't be possible without the enthusiastic support of the community and the long hours of dedication from the event's volunteers.
"Greater Fredericton is such a generous community and we're blessed to be a part of it, because we're only one of many very worthy causes," said Thompson.
"It takes about 200 volunteers to make this afternoon happen, but it's very rewarding to see the benefits of the money raised towards treatment, research and equipment."
Sherri Robbins, a board member with the Atlantic branch of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, said more than 170,000 walkers and runners in 53 communities participated in the event nationally.
"The funds that all of you have worked so hard to raise this year will make a huge impact in the lives of many women and men living here in New Brunswick and across the country."
She said the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation recently awarded $757,000 to Maritime universities for research, as well as $100,000 to the Atlantic Cancer Research Centre at the Dr. Georges Dumont Hospital in Moncton.
"Through our community health grants program, CBCF Atlantic has awarded $750,000 towards the purchase of seven pieces of digital mammography equipment, including one right here in Fredericton."
Lt.-Gov. Hermenegilde Chiasson welcomed participants to his home, praising the spirit shown by the community each year.
"Sometimes the run takes place in the rain and sometimes in sunshine, but always in the warmth and glow of friendship and camaraderie," he said.
"We are so lucky to live in a place where charity means something and where people go the extra mile to help."
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