Hundreds Unite for CIBC Run for the Cure Despite Rain

On October 1, 2023, approximately 200 participants gathered at Assiniboine College in Brandon, Canada, for the annual CIBC Run for the Cure. Despite the drizzle, the event aimed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, with many attendees donning pink attire to show their support.

Delores Hessian, 58, has been a part of Brandon’s Run for the Cure since 2021. This year was particularly poignant for her, as it marked the first run without her sister, Michele, who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 51 in January. Michele had been diagnosed in 2020, and after a brief period of remission, she faced a Stage 4 diagnosis two years later. “She decided then that she was making it her passion to raise as much money for breast cancer as she could, so somebody didn’t have to walk in her shoes or our shoes,” said Hessian, her voice filled with emotion.

Michele’s Breast Friends Forever team aimed to honor her legacy, surpassing their original fundraising goal of $6,000 by raising over $9,000. “Some days are very emotional… being this is the first one that she’s not with us,” Hessian reflected. She was joined by friends and family, all committed to continuing her sister’s mission.

Another team, Waves of Hope, a dragon boat team comprising breast cancer survivors, also made a significant impact by raising more than $3,500. Marcy Goetz, 47, shared her personal journey, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2024. “It was pretty scary. I thought that cancer was for people older than me,” she stated. After chemotherapy and a mastectomy, she was declared cancer-free in July of the same year. Joining Waves of Hope has provided Goetz with inspiration, emphasizing that life after cancer can still be fulfilling.

Shital Maisuria, 35, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2020, also shared her story during the event. She recounted her struggles, particularly following the loss of her parents to COVID-19 during her treatment. Maisuria credited the Canadian Cancer Society for their support, stating, “Without the support and guidance from the Canadian Cancer Society, I don’t know that I would have survived.” She encouraged participants to cherish every moment, as life is unpredictable.

Ashley MacDonald, the director of Brandon’s Run for the Cure, announced that the event has already raised $57,000, with donations continuing until the end of the year. “The primary goal is to spread awareness, raise funds, and support individuals throughout their cancer journey,” she explained. MacDonald expressed gratitude for the attendees who braved the weather, saying, “It’s a pretty dreary day, but that didn’t shake our participants.”

The CIBC Run for the Cure takes place in over 50 communities across Canada, offering both one-kilometre and five-kilometre options for participants. The event serves as a vital platform for not only raising money but also fostering a sense of community among those affected by breast cancer.