'Run for the Cure' in Regina aims to end stigma surrounding breast cancer
The 31st annual Canadian Cancer Society Run for the Cure took place at Douglas Park on Oct. 2nd for the first time in two years.
The previous two runs were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event organizers like Aurora Marinari said around 700 people participated in the event raising over $200,000.
“That number will keep rising as more and more organizations and participants fundraise throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Marinari said.
This year’s event included a five kilometre run and walk, and a parade of hope where cancer survivors wearing pink walked together while being cheered on and being applauded on their bravery, determination, and courage.
Breast cancer survivors Megan Ludik and Amy McAveny acted as the spokespeople for the Run for Cure event and also led the parade of hope for all cancer survivors.
Breast cancer survivors Megan Ludik (left) and Amy McAveny (right) led the parade of hope for all cancer survivors. (Luke Simard/CTV News)
“Everybody wearing that pink shirt behind me they have all survived, they have all fought the battle, and they know what its like,” McAveny explained. “That's something to be celebrated.”
Ludnik and McAveny both agree it is vital to spread and bring awareness to the disease.
“It's really important for me to, I feel like share my voice and participate and raise awareness for breast cancer in young women,” Ludik said.
“I'm here now as a survivor, and I'm here just because I want to help raise funds and get the word out about my story and many of the challenges that people face as a survivor,” McAveny said.
Screening for breast cancer begins at 40-years-old, however both women were diagnosed with breast cancer in their mid-thirties.
Both women are advocating for more awareness that breast cancer is being found in younger women and men.
“Prior to my diagnosis, I had asked for some screening and I was told I was too young,” Ludik said. “So my cancer went undetected for longer than it should have.”
Ludik and McAveny have both spoken at breast cancer awareness events telling their stories encouraging woman to get checked often and early.
“I was diagnosed at 36,” McAveny said. “When you're that young, they tell you no, it can't be that and you need to be your own advocate and realize that it can happen at any age now.”
Ludik adds the breast cancer community is Regina has supported her since she began her journey and now she is just giving back.
“I want to give back to other women,” Ludik said. “Giving them the same kindness and support that I was shown early in my diagnosis.”
Organizers say the Run for the Cure event hopes to inspire others to raise awareness about breast cancer.
“We have the survivors, they stand out in their pink shirts,” Marinari said.
“You see the numbers of them together, you see that they are survivors and it's just the whole event is about celebrating that.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.