MONTRÉAL, October 5, 2014 /CNW Telbec/- The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to announce that the CIBC Run for the Cure, held simultaneously today in Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke, successfully raised the impressive sum of $2.4 million. Over 20 000 people took part in the major annual event, which officially kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Runners included Montreal mayor Denis Coderre and Foundation spokesperson, Mitsou Gélinas.
"Each year, the run is a highly emotional event, since it honours survivors like Nalie, our ambassador, along with all of those who are no longer with us," said Mitsou. "Everyone who took part today has their own reason or motivation for joining the Run for the Cure, but we all share one aim: life free of breast cancer! I am optimistic that one day, we'll reach that goal."
The CIBC Run for the Cure is the biggest volunteer-run fundraising event in the fight against breast cancer. Over 400 people were involved in organizing the three Quebec events. Money raised by the runs and during October makes it possible for the Foundation to fulfill each part of its mission: to finance research and innovation, to support women affected by breast cancer and their families, and to make breast health a priority through awareness initiatives and education.
"This year, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary. It is through people's vast generosity, especially during events like the CIBC Run for the Cure, that we have been able to achieve great things and made major advances in research, treatments and women's awareness of the importance of making breast health a priority," said Francine Cléroux, president and executive director of Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
It is through investments that survival rates from the disease rose from 71% in 1974 to 88% in 2008. Despite this progress, today breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Six thousand people will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the next year, and it will claim the life of 1,350.
About the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
A registered charity, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation has a mission to fund research and innovation, support women affected by the disease and their families, and promote their interests, as well as making breast health a priority through education and awareness initiatives. In the past five years, the Foundation has raised more than $17 million for the fight against this cancer. For additional information, please visit www.rubanrose.org.
Image with caption: "From left to right : Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President, Retail Markets, Eastern Canada, CIBC, Mitsou Gélinas, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation’s spokesperson, Denis Coderre, mayor of Montreal, Francine Cléroux, CEO of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation and Pam McLernon, QBCF’s founder. (CNW Group/Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141005_C2476_PHOTO_EN_6339.jpg
SOURCE: Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
Jade St-Jean/Béatrice Gougeon, Morin Public Relations, 514 289-8688, ext. 235/236, Cell: 514 716-7530/514-688-3936, [email protected]/[email protected]
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