Community Unites for CIBC Run for the Cure, Raising $57,000

On October 1, 2023, approximately 200 participants braved the rain to take part in the CIBC Run for the Cure at Assiniboine College in Brandon, Canada. Participants, many dressed in pink, gathered to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services.

Delores Hessian, 58, has been a dedicated participant in the event since 2021. This year marked a poignant moment for her, as it was the first run without her sister, Michele, who succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 51 in January. “Michele was diagnosed in 2020 and, after a brief period of being cancer-free, was re-diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 breast cancer two years later,” Hessian recalled, visibly emotional. Following her sister’s passing, Hessian and her family committed to achieving Michele’s fundraising goal of $6,000. They surpassed this target, raising over $9,000 under the team name “Michele’s Breast Friends Forever.”

Hessian expressed mixed feelings about the day, saying, “Some days are very emotional … being this is the first one that she’s not with us. But we’re doing it as a family.”

The event not only highlighted individual stories but also showcased collective efforts. The local dragon boat team, Waves of Hope, which consists of breast cancer survivors, raised more than $3,500. Marcy Goetz, 47, shared her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2024. “It was pretty scary. I thought that cancer was for people older than me,” she reflected. After treatment, she is now cancer-free and emphasized the importance of camaraderie among survivors, stating, “These women show me every day that cancer doesn’t have to stop you.”

Shital Maisuria, 35, also recounted her battle with Stage 3 breast cancer, which began in 2020. The experience initially left her feeling isolated, particularly after losing her parents to COVID-19 shortly thereafter. “Without the support and guidance from the Canadian Cancer Society, I don’t know that I would have survived,” she acknowledged. Maisuria encouraged participants to cherish every moment of life, emphasizing the unpredictability of the future.

Ashley MacDonald, the director of Brandon’s Run for the Cure, announced that the event has raised approximately $57,000 so far, with donations continuing to be accepted through the end of the calendar year. “The primary goal is to spread awareness, raise funds, and support individuals throughout their cancer journey,” she noted.

The CIBC Run for the Cure events are held in over 50 communities across Canada, offering both one-kilometre and five-kilometre distance options. Despite the challenging weather, participants remained enthusiastic, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness and research.