The Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers announces $2.2 million raised as 11th annual walk commences in Montreal

Quebec's largest multi-day walk for women's cancers draws 1,100 participants, crew and volunteers and supports life-saving research, treatment, care and prevention programs for breast and gynaecologic cancers at Jewish General Hospital's Segal Cancer Centre.

MONTREAL, Aug. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers announced 1,100 participants, crew and volunteers helped raise over $2.2 million for the Jewish General Hospital's Segal Cancer Centre as the 11^th annual walk commenced Saturday morning in Montreal.  Funds raised through Quebec's largest multi-day walk for women's cancers supports life-saving research, treatment, care and prevention programs for breast and gynaecologic cancers at Jewish General Hospital's Segal Cancer Centre.

"We are proud of the dedication of our walkers, sponsors, volunteers, crew members and donors, whose efforts not only produce amazing results but also inspire patients and healthcare workers alike," said Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation.

"This year in Canada, more than 36,530 women will be diagnosed with a form of breast or gynecologic cancer, and more than 8,415 will die from the disease. The dollars raised through The Weekend allow our exceptional doctors, scientists and researchers to pursue the most promising cancer research programs and treatments for our patients, with the ultimate goal of improving, prolonging and saving more lives here in Quebec," added Bick.

In 11 years, The Montreal Weekend raised over $58 million for the Jewish General Hospital. The annual two-day, 60-kilometre walk through Montreal brings together communities of survivors and their supporters who spend months fundraising and training in order to participate.

"In 2013, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery," said Jason Steinmetz, a third year participant from Montreal, Quebec.

"My mom had participated in several Weekend events before her diagnosis, but my brother and I walked in her honour last year as she was recovering from surgery. This year, my mom is celebrating being cancer-free and I cannot wait to cross the finish line with her. My mom is forever my inspiration," Steinmetz added.

In 2010, Pharmaprix became the national title sponsor of The Weekend to End Women's Cancers and since then, more than 1,770 Pharmaprix employees, their friends and families have raised over $2.1 million in Montreal. Over and above their support, Pharmaprix's sponsorship enables more dollars raised by Weekend participants to directly support cancer programs across the province.

"I'm proud to be part of a team of 368 Pharmaprix store employees walking in the Weekend to End Women's Cancers as part of the Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS program for women's health," said Eric Bouchard, Senior Vice-President, Pharmaprix.

"I want to congratulate everyone who is walking this weekend for an amazing cause – the world-class cancer research and life-saving care provided to cancer patients at the Montreal Jewish General Hospital. The Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS program is about helping women stay focused on being their best.  Over the past six years, Pharmaprix has raised more than $14 million for women's health in Quebec – benefitting 400,000 Quebec women. Through Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS, we are adding to this track record of leadership by sharing the expertise of our partners at leading women's health organizations, and by connecting women in support of women's health initiatives like the Weekend to End Women's Cancers," added Mr. Bouchard.

During the opening ceremony at Villa Maria High School, Bick addressed The Weekend community to share significant event-related news about the future walks in Montreal.

"We will continue to walk because we must. We are thrilled to announce that next year's event will have a new name, a new look and a broader appeal. Each Walker can raise funds for the cancer type they care about the most," said Bick.

"The Weekend to End Women's Cancers will now become the OneWalk to Conquer Cancer.  Funds raised through OneWalk to Conquer Cancer will continue to support the critical cancer initiatives at the Segal Cancer Centre and in addition, when a walker registers, they will select a specific cancer fund their dollars raised will support, such as: Innovation Cancer Fund – Personalized Cancer Medicine; Breast & Gynaecologic Cancers; Genitourinary Cancer including Prostate Cancer; Head & Neck Cancers; Lung Cancer; Hematologic Cancers including Leukemia & Lymphoma; Gastrointestinal Cancers; Skin Cancer; Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Program; Cancer Nutrition & Rehabilitation Program," added Bick.

The OneWalk to Conquer Cancer will involve a 25-kilometre walk through Montreal's picturesque streets and communities and an inspiring festival experience, in one day, to raise funds to support Personalized Cancer Medicine, including life-saving cancer research, treatment, care and prevention programs for all cancers at the Jewish General Hospital's Segal Cancer Centre. The event will take place Saturday, August 20 of next year in Montreal, and additional OneWalk details will be shared with participants and their supporters during the Saturday evening camp at Villa Maria High School.

Registration for OneWalk to Conquer Cancer in Montreal is available online at www.onewalk.ca or by calling (514)-393-9255 (WALK).

On Sunday, Weekend Walkers will finish their 60-kilometre journey at Villa Maria High School in Montreal.

Event organizers expect hundreds of people to attend public cheering stations along the route.

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SOURCE The Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers

For further information: Chloë Hill, Communications Coordinator, 514.929.9255, chill@endcancer.ca