Who are you running for?

On Sunday October 3rd 2010 at Harbourview Park in Collingwood more then 1000 people will come together, each with their own story and reason for being there, but all with the same goal, a future without breast cancer.

Behind the scene's of the Collingwood run site is a committee of people whom I introduced you to in the first blog, I thought it would be a good idea for you to get to know them a little better. So I asked them two question's....

Who are you running for? and Why are you involved in the run?

Here is what some of them had to say.....

Barb White - Co CIBC Run Champion

Q: Who are you running for?

A: I am running for Lesley Lalonde who survived breast cancer in her 30's and who never complained once when she had a double mastectomy, chemo, etc. she is my hero. I am also running for my son's teacher who just got a clean bill of health, Mrs. Wong. Who all the students at Pretty River Academy did the run for last year.

And I am also running for my neighbour who has been battling this disease for 3 years, Judy. Who is not going to let it win and whose hair is finally growing back in!

Q : Why are you involved in the run ?

A : I am involved because really do you have a choice in helping raise money for a cause that could change our daughters lives?

Jenn Lavers - Volunteer Coordinator

Q: Who are you running for?

A: I am running for many of our family members who have been affected in so many ways.

I am running for my Aunt Sandy, who fought the disease so valiantly to her last breath.

I am running for my Aunt Chris, who has fought and is still fighting all the medical issues that have come up as a result of her breast cancer.

I am running for my Aunt Liz, who has been cancer free for over 5 years now.

I am running for my husband, so that he will never have to go through the pain of losing his spouse.

And I am running for my boys, so they will never have to grow up without their mom. That's why I run!

Q : Why are you involved in the run ?

A : I said yes to joining this committee when I was asked by my sister and fellow committee member Michelle Federer for all of the reasons above.

Michelle Federer - Teams Coordinator

Q: Who are you running for?

A: I'm not sure I can say it any better then my little sister ( Jenn Lavers ), I run for all the same reasons she does.. But I am also running for my daughter, that there will be a cure and she will never have to endure such pain.

Q : Why are you involved in the run ?

A : I have participated in the run for 5 years and felt I needed to do more. That is why I joined the committee, and I thank Jen for asking me to...

Katrine McCarl - Co Teams Coordinator

Q: Who are you running for?

A: I am running for Mary Ann Norton, although she died from a different kind of cancer, she is a constant part of my thoughts. Her grace and dignity in the face of cancer and dealth was truly admirable. She was like a sister to me and cancer stole her far too young.

I am running for Linda Pearson, my almost "mother-in-law" who has beaten breast cancer!

And I am running for my mother, my aunt, my sister-in-law, my family/friends and potentially my future daughters. I run for every woman who could one day have to

face the news " you have breast cancer". The money raised goes towards funding and research that will hopefully make the fight against breast cancer easier and the outcomes always positive.

Q : Why are you involved in the run ?

A : Jen asked me if I would be a part of this committee, how could I say no? As a woman and a Registered Nurse I feel that this is a serious Women's Health Issue.

Amanda Barron - Stewardship Coordinator

Q: Who are you running for?

A: I am running for all of the amazing women in my life, I can't imagine what I would do without them. I am VERY fortunate to be able to say that no one in my life has ever had breast cancer. I am running to help keep it that way. I run for them!

Q : Why are you involved in the run ?

A : Last year was my first year participating in this event and I saw something inspiring on that day and wanted to be part of this committee. I saw people regardless of age, gender or ability truly passionate about one thing: Helping create a future without breast cancer. I saw tears of laughter and tears of pain as those who have been touched by this disease remembered those they have lost. I saw families, co-workers and friends giving hugs and high fives even to people they had just met.

The most amazing thing was seeing the smiles on the faces of those wearing the "Survivor" t-shirts as they were surrounded by so many people who truly cared about what they went through.
The Run for the Cure is an amazing event that changed my outlook on breast cancer and fundraising. It made me realize that I might only be one small person out there fundraising but when we all join together, we CAN make a difference.
I am truly honored to be on the Committee this year to help ensure this event is one to remember. So, whether you plan to walk, run, or just watch - THANK YOU for your help and dedication. We couldn't do it without you!

Stay tuned to an upcoming blog when we will hear what a few other committee members had to say..... In the mean time please post a comment and let us hear from you! We want to know Who are you running for?

Remember to start squeezing those lemons!

( Special Thanks to Richard & Christa Galloway from Isis Photography for the photo used in this post. Taken at the 2009 Collingwood run )