SASKATOON – Prairieland Park was taken over by pink Sunday for the 24th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Run for the Cure. Just under 1,400 participants in Saskatoon united to support the cause, raising an estimated $261,516. Across the Prairies, an estimated $4.48 million will be raised this year, with $21.7 million expected to be raised across Canada.
Around 25,000 Canadian men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and funding from events like this go a long way towards innovative research.
“It’s the largest, single day, volunteer driven event for the breast cancer cause in Canada,”said Conor Tapp, a senior manager with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
The energy in the room was electric. From warm-up to the shotgun start, everyone showed support and determination to create a future without breast cancer.
“I love coming here because you can feel the energy is here, it just bumps you up,” says Bettina Ho, a breast cancer survivor.
READ MORE: Thousands run in support of breast cancer research
Kim Buyck was wearing inflatable rainbow angel wings and running in support of her mother, Yvonne. Within the year, Yvonne has had a double mastectomy and surgery to remove cancer in her back and shoulder. This has left her paralysed and unable to join her friends and family.
“I have been crying ever since this started. The support of everybody. My mom’s saying to me was ‘Kimmy, you may not be able to save me, but you guys are going to be able to save someone else’s mom’,” said Buyck.
Although Yvonne couldn’t be at the run, Buyck says she’s here in spirit, riding on her wings.
Saskatoon’s huge show of support on Sunday brings the world one step closer to creating a future without breast cancer.
Watch below: Breast cancer survivor Joanne Nagy shares her story of being diagnosed with the disease at a young age
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