Hundreds of people gathered at Springbank Park on Saturday for the seventh annual Dunn With Cancer Run, raising money and awareness for glioblastoma research. The event was started by the Dunn family after Wayne Dunn’s daughter, Allison, died from glioblastoma at the age of 33. Allison left behind three young children, who took part in Saturday’s fundraiser. “The grief never goes away,” Dunn said. “And by doing something, we can’t bring her back. But what we can do is help other people and other families that are going through it.” The annual event has raised more than $1.6 million over the past six years, according to Nicole Farrell, CEO of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. “It’s incredible,” Farrell said. “Over the last six years, the Dunn With Cancer event has raised over $1.6 million. One hundred per cent of those dollars go to fund research — critical research to support glioblastoma.” Farrell said the funds are an important source of support for researchers working to better understand and treat the disease. For Dunn, the fundraiser also provides an opportunity for families affected by glioblastoma to connect and raise awareness about the disease. “Glioblastoma is nothing more than a death sentence,” Dunn said. “And my daughter had four months. The average is about 18.” He said the money raised through the event is helping support research at hospitals and universities across Canada. There is currently no cure for glioblastoma, but researchers are studying ways to improve outcomes and the quality and duration of life for people diagnosed with the disease. Dunn said his family hopes the annual event can help other families facing the same devastating diagnosis. More information about the fundraiser and how to support the ‘Dunn With Cancer’ campaign is available through the organization’s website.
