Local ‘Run for the Cure’ raises more than $188K for breast cancer research

Barrie and communities across the country were taking part in the annual ‘Run for Cure’ to raise funds for breast cancer research and supports.

The first Sunday of October also marked the first Sunday of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which meant that Barrie and communities across the country were taking part in the annual CIBC ‘Run for the Cure’ to raise funds for breast cancer research and supports.

The Barrie run had nearly 650 participants and raised more than $188,000.

“All of that donation is going to go toward support programs, awareness programs and research that is going to be better than ever,” said Karinna Hebbard-Langille, co-director of the Barrie run. “We’re really grateful to everyone who did come out today and came to support the cause.”

Participants had the choice between a five-kilometre route from Centennial Beach to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre and back toward the Spirit Catcher, or a one-kilometre route.

The walkers and runners ranged across all ages and included survivors, patients and their family members.

Survivors and Patients

Rebecca Sterne was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2024 and was celebrating her one-year mark of being cancer-free.

“Last year I did the 1K and I walked it. I was going through treatment at the time. And this year I was able to do the 5K,” said Sterne. “I am so pumped that I finished it and crossed that finish line.”

Sterne expanded on her journey from her diagnosis to completing the run on Sunday. After being diagnosed at 38, she recalled going through surgery, the ‘most aggressive’ form of chemotherapy from February to July of 2024, 15 rounds of radiation, and a full year of immunotherapy.

“It was the most difficult thing that I’ve gone through, and my family’s gone through,” Sterne expressed. “But with the support of everyone, with the groundbreaking research, and medical treatments that are available, I made it through, by God’s grace I made it through, and I am here today.”

Dolores Lopez, who has been battling cancer for ten years, was surrounded by family and friends who ran and walked in her honour Sunday morning.

“Family, friends, colleagues and workers are the best supporters in your life,” said Lopez, whose family saluted her for her strength and positivity. “Let them be there for you and be always grateful for everything, for every day.”

Words of Inspiration

When asked about her message to those currently fighting breast cancer, Sterne emphasized that ‘you can make it.’

“When you literally feel, on the lowest days, that you can’t make it, you can make it. You can get through.” urged Sterne. “You can do hard things, and I did it for my girls. I have three young girls, and I did it.”

Lopez reiterated the importance of maintaining a positive and faithful mindset.

“Every day is a new day. You just continue with life. Don’t let cancer stop you from doing things,” concluded Lopez.

The impact

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the breast cancer death rate has fallen by 48 per cent since 1986.

On Sunday afternoon, the national charity announced that the ‘Run for the Cure’ raised more than $18 million nationwide, with Barrie/Orillia and Blue Mountains/Collingwood among the 50-plus communities and 60,000 people who took part.

“The CIBC Run for the Cure is one day of coming together for people affected by breast cancer and driving progress long into the future — but our commitment to improving and saving lives never ends,” said Laurie Benner, Canadian Cancer Society vice-president of signature programs, in a news release. “Supporters of this year’s run are helping us fuel the most promising opportunities to improve patient outcomes with better treatment options for the 1 in 8 women who will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.”