Calgary's Run for the Cure return brings in thousands of runners, dollars
The 28th annual Calgary Run for the Cure brought out thousands of pink-clad people who care Sunday morning.
More than 2,300 people ran, walked or rolled one or five kilometres during the event's in-person return.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the past two events into a virtual format.
"It's amazing to be back," said Yesenia Leon with the Canadian Cancer Society.
"I think one of the most important things to recover from cancer is to have the support of the people you love, and this is an event that does that and makes you feel like you are not alone."
The event, which started in the city in 1992, raises money for the society, enabling research and support programs for those living with breast cancer.
Sunday's run brought in almost $600,000.
Perhaps more important, however, was the resulting connection felt by people like Jennifer Dell, who was diagnosed during the pandemic.
"You go to hell and back," she told CTV News of her battle.
"It's really challenging. So (events like the Run for the Cure) mean that much more."
Dell is now cancer-free.
That enabled her to walk the course Sunday, where she was cheered on by family and friends.
"I looked up and saw them in the stands and I just kind of broke down," she said.
"It's very emotional. They were with me in the tough part, and in the victory of it, they're here too."
One in eight Canadian women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
"Being able to connect with someone who has already walked this path and is in the same shoes is big," Leon said.
"What is important is having them feeling like they're not alone."
The Run for the Cure has raised more than $480 million since its inception.
To learn more about the race, or to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.