A local cancer survivor says now is a good time to consider stepping up in support of breast cancer patients. On Tuesday and Wednesday, CIBC will be matching up to $500,000 in donations in support of the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. Survivor Kim Hutton is a long-time supporter of the run, starting well before she got her own life-changing diagnosis. “I thought I was honouring survivors, raising awareness, and perhaps walking for those that are no longer able to walk with us,” Hutton said. “I never realised that one day I would be in that fight. “And I’m so grateful that in the time that I couldn’t walk, there were still people there that believed in the cause that let me borrow their belief that everything was going to be OK until I could walk again.” Run for the Cure has raised more than $540,000 million since it began in 1992. Money raised goes to breast cancer research and clinical trials, a nationwide support system for breast cancer patients, as well as other supports like free wigs and breast prostheses. Hutton said many people never realize the importance of a cause until they need it, but pointed out that cancer’s reach is far. “One in eight women that you know in your lifetime will end up with breast cancer,” she added. “In 2026, we’ll see approximately 32,000 new cases of breast cancer in Alberta, with a staggering 5,460 lives that will be lost. ” The 35th annual Run for the Cure takes place on Oct. 4 at Mill Woods Town Centre. This year will mark the fifth year that Hutton has walked, cancer free, with her team Mammaries Forever. “Everyone is always welcome, and whether you’re running, walking, rolling, we’re looking forward to seeing you,” Hutton said. More information can be found on the Run for the Cure website.
