More than 1,600 walkers bring us closer to a world free from the fear of cancer
TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada's largest single-day fundraising walk returned for its 24th year, with participants taking on a half-marathon challenge through the streets of Toronto and raising over $4 million in support of life-saving cancer research and care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. More than 1,600 walkers joined Olympic bronze medalist, national champion ice dancer and cancer survivor Piper Gilles for an impactful walk through Toronto.
Thanks to the dedication of walkers, donors, volunteers and supporters, The Walk has now raised more than $203 million over its 24-year history, helping accelerate breakthroughs that are changing how cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed and treated.
"The Princess Margaret is one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centres, where internationally-renowned doctors and researchers are pursuing the next breakthroughs in early detection, innovative treatments and comprehensive support," said Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "Every person who walked, donated or volunteered today helped Carry The Fire for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are deeply grateful to this extraordinary community for helping us move closer to a world free from the fear of cancer."
Participants travelled through some of Toronto's most iconic neighbourhoods, including Kensington Market, Cabbagetown, Rosedale and the Distillery District. The route also included a meaningful stop at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, giving walkers an opportunity to reflect on the patients, families and loved ones at the heart of their efforts.
Canadian Olympic bronze medalist ice dancer and 2026 Walk Champion Piper Gilles joined participants at Harbourfront Centre, sharing her personal connection to cancer and inspiring the community as an impact speaker.
"Cancer will always be part of my story, but it does not get to be the whole story," said Piper Gilles, 2026 Walk Ambassador, Olympic bronze medallist and cancer survivor. "Early detection gave me more options, more time and the opportunity to return to the ice. By coming together at The Walk, we are carrying the fire forward and helping create that same hope for every person facing cancer."
With two in five Canadians expected to face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, The Walk is more than a physical challenge. It is a community creating brighter tomorrows for cancer patients everywhere - transforming fear into hope and helping researchers pursue discoveries that improve and save lives in Canada and around the world.
In 2027, The Walk will celebrate its 25th anniversary. We invite you to join our milestone year, lace up your shoes, and take on a half-marathon fundraising challenge that brings us closer to the next cancer breakthroughs. Visit pmcfwalk.ca to sign up now.
ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is Canada's largest cancer charity. We're dedicated to raising funds for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centres, known for its breakthrough discoveries that transform patient outcomes. Together, our work benefits cancer patients everywhere in our mission to create a world free from the fear of cancer. Through philanthropy, fundraising events, and our world-leading lottery program, we're changing how the world understands, prevents, diagnoses, and treats cancer, benefitting patients at The Princess Margaret, throughout Canada, and around the world.
SOURCE Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

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