Montreal joins Canada-wide lung cancer run thanks to two friends
Posted June 2, 2026 2:25 pm.
Last Updated June 2, 2026 5:27 pm.
Montreal is stepping in as the ‘Give a Breath 5K’ is set to make its debut in the city at Bois-de-Liesse Park in Saint-Laurent on June 6, raising funds and awareness for lung cancer across Canada.
“It’s going to be an amazing event,” said Vanessa Henderson, co-chair of the Montreal edition. “We’re so excited.”
“I was actually diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in my lung in 2024,” explained Henderson. “I loved that we were able to participate (in the event) last year and then we just really wanted to bring it here and bring it to Montreal and have everyone here participate and donate.”
Henderson and her friend Jordana Brookman drove to Ottawa to take part in the run last year. The energy they felt there was powerful.
The event happens in many places across the nation, like Vancouver, Halifax, and Toronto, and after Henderson experienced cancer herself, it inspired them to launch the run right at home.
“When we came back we were like, why do we have to travel two hours? You know, why can’t we bring it here? So we reached out to the amazing team at Give a Breath,” said Brookman. “They were super happy and on board and we got working right away.”
“It’s such an important event and we’re so excited,” said Henderson.
“We’re just bringing the community together,” added Brookman.
Over $780,000 has been raised to date since the event began in Edmonton, back in 2019.
It was launched by Canadian Tim Monds and his family after his lung cancer journey.
That community walk has since grown into Lung Cancer Canada’s national movement — empowering survivors, families, clinicians, and more across the country.
Montreal’s first edition is set to kick off at 9 a.m. with registration and music. The walk officially starts at 10 a.m., and participants can also join virtually on Saturday, June 6.
Meanwhile, all are welcome to sign up online to run or walk the five kilometers.
“You get snacks, drinks, you get automatically entered to a raffle,” explained Brookman. “And you get to just enjoy the day with the community.”
“Early detection is so important,” added Henderson. “So if we’re able to raise awareness on that, raise funds, then that means the world.”
