Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 4, Canadians from across the country will run, jog or walk in support of breast cancer research, so that a cure can be found.
Some 50,000 Canadians in 22 cities will participate in the CIBC-sponsored Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's Run for the Cure.
It is hoped that this event which serves as a main fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will raise $4 million to be distributed among hospitals, universities, cancer treatment centres and education centres across Canada.
The Run for Life is a major highlight of breast cancer awareness month. This year's theme is Living Proof, Loving Proof. It draws attention to the fact that breast cancer is a family affair and not confined to the woman alone. The support of friends and family is invaluable to a woman with breast cancer and this year's theme is a reflection of that.
Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is estimated that some 19,300 Canadian women will develop breast cancer this year and 5,300 will die from it.