Montrealers ‘Run for the Cure’ for breast cancer research

More than 2,000 Montrealers took part in Sunday’s “Run for the Cure” – the kickoff event for breast cancer awareness month.

The run, which began at Maisonneuve Park, takes place in 53 communities across Canada.

The event raises funds for research and support programs to help those with breast cancer.

Breast cancer survivor Cassidy London said it was a difficult journey to get her to Sunday’s run.

“My journey began in September of last year,” she said. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I had seven months of really harsh medications. I went into surgery. I had four surgeries over eight weeks, which was really, really rough. I came back home, had a few weeks to rest and had a few rounds of radiation, and I officially rang the bell this past Tuesday. So I’m officially feeling like a survivor.

“Honestly I wouldn’t be standing here today and I wouldn’t be able to say I’m a survivor if not for everyone who came before me. Doctors, researchers, all the fundraising money that has been fundraised over all the years.”

The Canadian Cancer Society says, on average, 78 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the country.

“The statistics are one-in-eight women, so that really affects everyone’s inner circle,” said London. “And that’s why it’s really important for us to come together to make a difference and a lasting difference so we can really have a future without breast cancer.”

The Canadian Cancer Society raised $ 656,317 this year. The organization says 89 per cent of women and 80 per cent of men with breast cancer survive at least five years past their diagnosis.

Since 1986, the death rate for Canadians with breast cancer has been cut in half.

La Grande Roue at the Old Port and the Olympic Stadium are set to be illuminated in pink to honour breast cancer awareness month.