Lethbridge Run raises funds, awareness for breast cancer research

In Canada, one in eight women, and one in 31 men, will be diagnosed breast cancer, with more than 26,000 people being diagnosed every year and around 5,000 people losing the difficult battle toward recovery.

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, Sept. 28’s CIBC Run for the Cure covered the walkways of Lethbridge’s Henderson Lake with high spirits and a lot of bright pink outfits to help work toward a country without cancer.

People were able to walk or run through a one- or five-kilometre track for every skill level.

Pamela Copeland spoke at the event about her battle with breast cancer and how she was able to persevere through the treatment and call herself a cancer survivor.

“I had a fairly common breast cancer which is good because they know more about it and they can treat it easier,” says Copeland. “I had pretty aggressive treatment for the past 10 months, so this is the first time for me participating in one of these events as an actual survivor, so that is a little different for me but I am glad because I plan on being here for awhile.”

The Exhibition Pavilion was filled with love and support for those who are battling cancer, survived it or were there to support loved ones who have dealt with the life-threatening disease.

“It feels really good, from day one when I first did it years ago,” says Copeland.

“I myself had a sense of sisterhood with the women, there is also men that get it, too, there is a camaraderie and a sense of togetherness with everyone that either you have had it or you are running in support of it, and that is just really nice to be a part of it.”

The emotional day was something felt by everyone who attended including Amanda Bauer, who helped make the finishing meal for the runners through Plumb restaurant and Stella’s Diner.

Her own experience with thyroid cancer helped her find the need to help out and give back, all to help work toward a cancer-free world.

“It is emotional, highly emotional,” says Bauer.

“It is something that is so near and dear to my heart. Even though the primary focus is on breast cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society works together with the Breast Cancer Foundation to solve all cancers, to look at having a future not just for breast cancer survivors but for all cancer.”

Cancer does not discriminate with who you are, and can develop in anyone.

With the Run for the Cure comes awareness to get screened and analyzed for any cancerous growth through either self examination or through a doctor.

Since 1992, the run has raised more than $430 million for the breast cancer cause, and last year alone Canada helped raise $17 million with almost 80,000 participants.

For more information on how you can donate to the cause or find more information regarding breast cancer visit cancer.ca.