Breast Cancer Awareness: GWest’s Run for the Cure
By Isla Poustie ’26 , Staff Writer; Edited by Cindy Liu ‘25, Staff Editor
Breast Cancer Awareness:
Women all over the world are affected by cancer, and around 1 in 3 of those women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.” - World Health Organization (WHO)
Breast cancer can develop after puberty and as early as 15 years old, but it is most prevalent in women over 50 years of age. Around 2.3 million women around the world were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and 670,000 women died globally that same year.
The Mission of the Canadian Cancer Society & CIBC:
A movement dedicated to raising money for breast cancer started in 1992. It began in Toronto as a very small group of volunteers with 1,500 people who came out to show their support. In this first year, they raised $85,000 for the cause. This event has evolved into the CIBC Run For The Cure. This event is now the largest Canadian volunteer-led day that supports the breast cancer cause. The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure raised more than $15 million this year. Thanks to students, parents and faculty/staff, Ridley was a contributor who raised $1,434.20!
The funding of this event helps support people through their cancer treatments, provides a sense of community through their peer support programs, offers over 3,300 wigs, headwear, and breast prosthetics, and, of course, raises money for research.
Gooderham West’s Contribution:
A large group turned out to this year’s race to help support the cause. Many people who have been affected by breast cancer personally or those who have family members who have been diagnosed participated in this race. Many other people came out to support the cause and to raise awareness. People had the choice of running or walking either the 1-kilometer or 5-kilometer route.
G-West had the opportunity to participate in this inspiring event. On October 6, they travelled out to Brock University and acted as event ambassadors, encouraging and cheering on people who were running and walking. Some decided to participate in the run themselves, including students and teachers. When people started crossing the finish line, G-West cheered them on. It was a successful day with lots of spirit and community!
