Prince George, BC – Just a few hours from now,  the  annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will  see a  wave of pink runners,  boas, and  laces,  make its way through  downtown Prince George  as the runners  leave the Civic Centre   in this fundraising event.

Prince George joins 58 communities across the country for this inspiring event that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.  The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest single-day, volunteer-led national event in Canada in support of breast cancer. This year, the CIBC Run for the Cure will take place at in Prince George Civic Centre with opening ceremonies starting at 9:30am

A group of dedicated volunteers has spent over 1,500 hours of their time preparing for a memorable Run day for Prince George residents.  For the volunteer Run Directors, Shari MacLellan and Renee McCloskey, they hope to see the momentum of fundraising in the community continue as Run day approaches. “Every person that comes out on Run day is helping increase awareness and funds for the cause” says McCloskey.

Last year, more than 560 walkers and runners participated in the 1km or 5km event helping raise over $135,100 in Prince George alone (contributing to a provincial fundraising total of $4.76 million). Across Canada, participants raised a total of more than $30 million. Organizers hope that 2012 sees an equally successful year as funds raised support initiatives in prevention, early detection, treatment, research and emerging issues in the health care workforce.  All of the proceeds raised at the CIBC Run for the Cure in BC will remain in the BC/Yukon Region.

 

The numbers this year  may  not top the  participation level of  2011,  but McCloskey says the  funds raised  are expected to  be on track to match last year.

Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Canadian women. One in nine Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2012, an estimated 22,700 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and an estimated 5,100 will die from it.