The annual CIBC Run for the Cure returned to Calgary, where more than 5,000 runners gathered on a chilly morning at South Centre Mall to support breast cancer research and supports. “One in eight women in in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Kirsty McGowan, CIBC Run for the Cure run director. “Those are huge numbers. Events like this are so critical to funding such vital support programs like transportation and treatments, wigs, things like that, just to make sure that people really feel supported on their journey.” Around $1.1 million was raised in Calgary, making it the second-highest earning location out of 53 across the nation that take part in this fundraising mission. “I had 14 rounds of a targeted therapy and that is a direct result of all the funds that have been raised by events like this,” said Debbie Main, the Participant of Hope. Main was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and beat it, but was rediagnosed in 2025 in the same spot. “I could not believe that I had it back in the same spot underneath the scar of my lumpectomy,” Main said. “I was quite surprised. And that’s why it’s very important to make sure that women go for their mammograms, because we probably would have never found it because it was hidden.” 89 women diagnosed every day The Canadian Cancer Society says 89 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and it’s the second leading cause of death from cancer for Canadian women. The alarming frequency of breast cancer means it’s highly likely for anyone to know someone impacted by it, and that was the case for the Rempel family, running on behalf of their mother Donna, who had breast cancer but fortunately beat it. “it was scary,” said Jax Rempel, Donna’s son. “I’ve never really felt like before. I was waking up in the morning, (my brother Gage Rempel) and I were working together, and we got a text message, my mom saying, ‘I have cancer.’ And it was crazy, probably the worst days of our lives.” “It’s an experience that no one should have to go through, so raising money for this, for the fight for the cure, is just an absolutely outstanding thing,” Jax continued. Runners with breast cancer Several other runners are currently living with breast cancer, and they said they wanted to be involved to show solidarity and support among any others who are sharing that same difficult experience. “It has been a struggle, but I’ve had a great community behind me. Fitness has been very important to me, so I’ve stayed strong throughout everything, staying positive. It’s been hard, obviously, but it’s really important to spread the word,” said Jill Stewart, who was diagnosed in February of 2026. “I’m only 41, so I want everyone to understand that we’re not too young, and it’s important for people my age and younger to get themselves checked,” Stewart continued. Being present Fundraising, obviously, is the primary goal of this event, but equally as important to so many of the runners is simply being present and showing anyone who’s been impacted by breast cancer that you aren’t alone. “Cancer can seem so isolating to individuals sometimes, but events like this really show that you are never alone in this. You can count on your friends, you can count on your family, how many thousands of people are here today? Everyone has your back,” Main said. “We’re so busy going through treatment and focusing on getting better. And I think sometimes it’s harder for your friends and family because they don’t know sometimes what to do, how to help. I think that our friends and family are some of the most impacted,” Main continued. The run began in 1992 in Toronto, and has since grown to a nationwide event, raising $500 million to date.
