Big winner to be fight against cancer

Prince Rupert Daily News

By Patrick Witwicki

The Run for the Cure is back for another lap.

Last year, CIBC's Run for the Cure made its debut in Prince Rupert, and was considered a moderate success. Not necessarily from the funds that were raised -- although the B.C. provincial total was impressive at $26 million -- but with the number of participants.

Event coordinator Marcella Navarro didn't hesitate to get involved with the run again.

"It will take us a few years to get the numbers up, to like Prince George (numbers)," she said.

"But last year we held it and it was good."

The Rupert event will once again take place at Patullo Field, and will be held on Sun., Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., with registering happening from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

Warm-up will then commence at 9:45 a.m.

The "run" will be over five kilometers, but participants are also welcome to walk if they prefer.

"Run for the Cure" focuses specifically on breast cancer, but anyone affected by cancer in any capacity is welcomed to participate.

Due to the breast cancer connection, Navarro is once again expecting involvement from the Prince Rupert Rainbow Warriors Dragon Boat team, many of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves.

For Navarro, once again, her main focus revolves around awareness. The more people who get involved, the more Rupertites get to learn about breast cancer.

Most importantly, said Navarro, she is hoping to encourage more women to monitor their own personal situations by getting a mammogram once a year.

"It can be so tiny," she said. "But we have the tools here ... we have the ultrasound, and we have the mammogram equipment."

Navarro, a member of the Health Sciences Association of B.C., plans to distribute information on the day.

Last year, a total of 55 communities all across Canada participated in the Run for the Cure.

"Bring a friend ... one more person (makes a big difference,)" said Navarro. "I'm hoping all people can come ... families, children ... this is something that affects everyone.

"My goal is not-so-much to raise money, but to raise awareness."

That said, anyone interesting in donating or fundraising for the event is asked to register online at: www.cibcrunforthecure.com, and there will also be a registration fee on-site.

For more information on the event, contact Marcella at 627-1218.