Thousands run in support of breast cancer research

MONTREAL – About 11,000 Quebecers all across the province came out to support breast cancer research this Sunday during the CIBC annual Run for the Cure event.

Nalie Agustin is a breast cancer survivor, this is her third run but only her first in remission.

“I got my giant team Nalie behind me, over 107 runners,” she enthusiastically said as her team cheered her on.”This is how I personally beat breast cancer.”

Her team is one of the top fundraisers of the event. Together they raised almost $19,000.

They came out to cheer on others who are still battling the disease, but most importantly to encourage early diagnosis.

It’s why Agustin is also running an online awareness campaign called “Feel It On The First”.

“It encourages women to self-examine their breasts every first of the month,” said Agustin. “Because breast cancer isn’t limited to one month. The trick to survival is early detection.”

This cause is close to many Quebecers’ hearts.

“I lost my dad to lung cancer,” said Kim Hogan. “And then my girlfriend, she’s battled breast cancer, so I’m here to support her.”

Debbie Edwards runs a breast cancer support group in Pointe-Claire. She makes this event a priority every year.

“This is my 16th year and I got a super gang of supporters,” said Edwards. “With all of this emotion, it gives you strength to carry on and to help those that are going through it now.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is my 16th year and I got a super gang of supporters," said Edwards. "With all of this emotion, it gives you strength to carry on and to help those that are going through it now."

Officials say it’s events like this that bring us closer to finding a cure.

“It’s very, very important because we raise more than $2 million  and everything is invested in research to help women,” said Nathalie Tremblay, CEO of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

For Agustin, the most important thing is sending a encouraging message to those who are still battling this disease.

“The biggest message is to never give up… it’s kind of why I wanted to run the five kilometres, I hate running,” she said amidst chuckles. “At four kilometres is the hardest part, but you just gotta picture the finish line.”

An emotional ceremony closed off the event. About 15 cancer cancer survivors: Agustin, Mitsou Gelinas and Lolitta Dandoy amonsgt them, all released white doves into the sky as a sign of their freedom from the disease.

According to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, this year’s’ run raised over $2 million.