'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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.