Still time to sign up for CIBC Run for the Cure

By Gillian Slade on August 30, 2018.

The CIBC Run for a Cure event takes place Sept. 30 at Echo Dale. Nicole Murphy, local manager at CIBC, holds a poster for the event.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

The CIBC Run for the Cure takes place at Echo Dale Sept. 30, and there is still time to register and participate.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. with an official launch at 9:30, and the run or walk covering between one and five kilometres commences at 10 a.m.

The whole family is welcome, including dogs on a leash, says Nicole Murphy, CIBC manager in Medicine Hat.

Last year 40 cancer survivors took part in the event making it particularly emotional, she explained.

A CIBC employee started the event in 1992 and it is now held in 56 locations, said Murphy. After Bustin Loose wrapped up its local event three years ago, CIBC stepped in to close the gap.

One in eight Canadians will develop breast cancer in their life time and 72 women are diagnosed every day, says Murphy. The five-year survival rate in 87 per cent.

Murphy says events such as Run for the Cure increases public awareness, and the money raised goes toward transportation and accommodation costs for those who need to travel a distance for treatment. There is also a national toll-free number where people can get current and accurate information. It also goes to fund research.

Since 1992, the CIBC Run for the Cure has raised $430 million nationally, said Murphy.

“Pretty much everybody here (staff) is on board participating,” said Murphy.

Last year the Medicine Hat event raised a total of $40,000, with 350 participants and 65 volunteers doing all the organizing.

There is still time to sign up, said Murphy. You can do so online at cibc.runforthecure.com or if you prefer go into a CIBC branch and ask for assistance. A donation of $45 is required to register.

The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede queen and princess will be at the event Sept. 30 at the Wall of Hope. This is where participants are encouraged to add their signature and a message to a banner.

Note: This story has been updated to correct the event to Run for the Cure, not Run for a Cure as was originally stated.