Local heroes join Winnipeg run for breast cancer

A local group was part of a crowd of about 1,500 people who participated in this year’s Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure.

The 1K and 5K runs kicked off at Blue Cross Park in downtown Winnipeg on Oct. 6.

Many dressed in pink and white for the event, walking, running or rolling to show support, ultimately raising more than $15 million for Canadians impacted by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. In 2024, it is estimated that 30,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with it. This represents 25 percent of all new cancer cases. About 5,500 will die from it, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to come together to honour and celebrate their loved ones and make a difference for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer. Funds raised go toward all of the things you need when you’re going through this devastating diagnosis, including research and support services.

The event has been a part of Ev Kehler’s life for decades. “My sister and I have been walking since 1998. We haven’t missed a walk since. It’s always on our calendar,” she says. “Even if we have to limp along, we get ‘er done.”

Family members and friends joined the Gretna resident in the 5K walk. Many of them have travelled their own cancer journey. Kehler’s sister was diagnosed in 1997, and she faced the disease in 2004.

“We both know the journey,” Kehler says.

“There must be concern about the increase. I was glad to hear they are lowering the recommended age for mammograms from 50 to 45. So now, if you’re a 45-year-old woman, you can go in for a regular check-up, you can ask for a mammogram, and it will be offered as a routine procedure. It’s being found earlier in a lot of people. I believe they are catching it sooner, but we still have to be vigilant about our own health. If we don’t know, the doctors can’t help us.”

She adds that treatments can be easier with early detection, but they can also be quite radical, as they’ve seen with members of their group.

“You never know, in your lifetime, if it’s going to be you or somebody else.”

Being a part of the event was amazing, she says. “All those people dressed in pink. Some of their dogs were dressed in tutus. You see a lot of pink wigs and pink shirts. Lots of neon. It’s very interesting and heartwarming. It was a really big crowd. It’s like a driving force. For some people, it’s their first time, and it’s usually because they’ve been touched by the disease either directly or indirectly.”

This is a proactive way to respond, Kehler says. “Being part of it makes you feel like you’re contributing a little bit.”