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
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.