Breast Cancer Canada Announces First ‘Walk-a-Thon to Mother’s Day’ To Get Canadians Moving for Research

TORONTO , March 29 /Businesswire/ - Breast Cancer Canada, a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research, today announced their spring fundraising campaign, Walk-a-Thon to Mother’s Day.

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Kim MacDonald, five-year breast cancer survivor (Photo: Business Wire)

This year, Breast Cancer Canada is inviting Canadians from coast-to-coast to move from April 14 to May 14 and raise funds for life-changing breast cancer research. Whether it’s counting steps through day-to-day errands or organizing a group hike on Mother’s Day (May 14), Canadians can pledge their own personal fitness goal and raise money to support scientific progress. As the only national charity in Canada with the sole mission of funding breast cancer research, Breast Cancer Canada’s Walk-a-Thon to Mother’s Day will foster community with the shared goal of enabling positive advancements for future breast cancer patients. Canadians can get started by registering today. There are no registration fees and sign-up is quick and easy.

“There is always more work that can be done to advance the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and we want to enable Canadians to be a part of the progress. Breast Cancer Canada has led Mother’s Day walks as an opportunity for Canadians to fund progressive breast cancer research, and this year is no different,” said Kimberly Carson, Breast Cancer Canada CEO. “Now, the campaign has grown from a single day event to a Walk-a-Thon that encourages Canadians to get active on their own time, at their own pace, while supporting the science that will bring us one step closer to ending breast cancer.”

Breast Cancer Canada is delighted to have Cleo, a national specialty brand featuring apparel, as the presenting sponsor of its Walk-a-Thon to Mother's Day. “For the last 19 years, Cleo has made tremendous efforts to rally around our spring fundraising," Kimberly Carson continues. "We are so proud to call Cleo a longstanding partner as they return year after year to champion breast cancer research, helping Breast Cancer Canada galvanize Canadians in contributing to our progress."

By registering at mothersdaywalk.ca, participants have access to a fundraising link, which they can share with their network to collect donations. While Canadians can host their own activities throughout the month-long campaign, participants are welcome to join in-person walks happening on the morning of Sunday May 14 in Ottawa and Mississauga.

For over three decades, Breast Cancer Canada’s mandate has been to raise money for breast cancer research, rallying research dollars for the number one diagnosed cancer in the world. The donations generated through this year’s campaign will contribute to Breast Cancer Canada’s year-round support of breast cancer researchers who are focused on precision oncology, tailoring breast cancer diagnostics and treatment to meet the individual needs of every patient.

The Walk-a-Thon to Mother’s Day will bring together breast cancer survivors and patients alongside their loved ones to move with purpose, like the team members of ‘Sherah’s Sherpas’. A mother of three, Search and Rescue team lead and nurse by trade, Sherah Martin-Pretty is a stage-three breast cancer patient from Kimberley, British Columbia who is walking with her mother, family and friends to support Breast Cancer Canada’s ongoing commitment to advance breast cancer research.

“Sherah’s Sherpas is a collection of family and friends who have been there to help carry me through my breast cancer journey, which started in 2019,” says Sherah. “One thing I have learned throughout my experience is how important it is to stay true to who you are and make time for things that bring you joy. For me, that means being active outdoors. I am participating in the Walk-a-Thon, both virtually and at the in-person walk in Ottawa, to help fund critical research and improve care for breast cancer patients.”

Sherah’s mother, Christine Martin says, “As a mother whose daughter is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I am walking on Mother’s Day to support my daughter and to fundraise for life-saving breast cancer research. We are paying it forward for the next family who receives a diagnosis!”

Kim MacDonald, a five-year breast cancer survivor from Hamilton, Ontario is also advocating for Canadians to get involved, “Spring is a time of renewal, and Breast Cancer Canada’s Walk-a-Thon to Mother’s Day is motivating me to get outside and move with my friends, while raising funds for a cause that affects so many Canadians. Breast Cancer Canada has given me the chance to focus on my fitness goals and help drive positive change for patients.”

Now adorned with a stunning sunflower tattoo across her chest, Kim’s remarkable story is a reminder of the progress made in research. “If I had breast cancer 20 years ago, I wouldn’t have made it. If it weren’t for the discovery of Herceptin, I wouldn’t be here today, five years later,” she says with gratitude.

Cleo is generously offering incentives to event participants. A $25 gift voucher for women’s fashion and apparel will be gifted for every $250 raised (up to a maximum of $500 in vouchers per participant). Plus, Breast Cancer Canada is excited to reward the top three individual fundraisers with a donation to local cancer centres, Signature Deluxe Bouquet deliveries from Callia Flowers and 110-piece tool prize packs from WORKPRO®.

ABOUT BREAST CANCER CANADA

Breast Cancer Canada (formerly the Breast Cancer Society of Canada) is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care) it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada that has a clear mandate to raise money for research. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information visit, breastcancerprogress.ca.

ABOUT CLEO

Cleo is a Canadian national specialty brand featuring apparel – with focus on work wear – for women in sizes XS-XXL and offers the largest Petite section in Canada. Based out of Mississauga, Ontario, Cleo is one of three affiliate brands: Ricki’s, and Bootlegger. Please visit Cleo.ca.

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