Cool weather, but warm hearts for the 18th Walk to Fight Women’s Cancer
The two honourary presidents of this year’s walk were Louise Penny, famous author, and Dr. Christine Cadrin, a gynecologist at the BMP Hospital. Louise was unable to attend in person but Dr. Cadrin addressed the audience in English and French before the walk started.
The Yamaska Valley Optimist Club has backed this event for eighteen years. They have partnered with Pharmacy Jean Coutu Julie Coderre, the Mcgalecharpentier-cote team of the National Bank and the BMP Foundation. One hundred per cent of the funds raised this year will go towards the purchase of a Mysosure device that has been specially developed for the removal of intrauterine tissues, the Novasure system and a Thunderbeat device.
Over the past seventeen years $884, 625 has been raised. The hope is that this year will bring the total to one million dollars. Judging by the large turnout, the goal may just have been reached.
The primary colour of the day was pink. There were quite a few dogs in the walk too and many of them had some pink attached to their leads or collars. Men and women and children and babies in strollers were all involved. Cancer survivors and cancer patients and the friends and families of people who have gone through cancer were in force.
To reduce waste, people were encouraged to bring refillable bottles. Instead of balloons, ribbons and flags that can be used year after year were handed out for the walk and then collected at the end of the walk.
According to the BMP Foundation, more than 560 walkers and 11 dogs participated in the walk. To help the foundation reach the million dollar mark, donations can be made using the online platform available on their website: www.fondationbmp.ca.