Thousands run for the cure

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Today thousands of people across Canada took part in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

As around 4500 people took off running or walking in hopes of finding a cure for breast cancer today, some were running for the past.

“My wife and my girls’ mom Cathy was diagnosed three years ago this week. Unfortunately she was one of the unlucky ones. She past away but we are all here about, 45 people, Cathys Crusadors in her memory,” says Brent Paszt.

Cindy Csordas, a CHCH reporter, was running for her grandmother.

“For me it has special meaning because when i was 14-years old my grandmother died of breast cancer and she battled it for most of my life. When I see people coming out to try and get that cure I’m doing it in her name.”

Some, like Jennifer Kutlesa, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, were running for the struggle she and many others are now going through.

“I was nursing my son i just had a little one, he was 8 months old when i was diagnosed. I thought it was a lump from nursing and I got it checked out. I’m under 45 and this is what happened.”

As pink flowers were handed out to all the survivors, every one was running in hopes of a breast cancer free future.

Around 5,000 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the most common cancer in Canada. The 4500 people who crossed this finish line are hoping to one day turn 5,000 into zero.

Karen Morrison was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Last year, she walked 1km while going through treatment.

“I never wanted to be thought of as sick I just wanted to go out there and do what I always did and make a difference and show people its doable.”

With her family by her side she ran 5km this year and raised more than $20,000.

“So that my girls don’t ever have to go through what I went through this past year. I said last year I was going to beat it and I have beat it.”

A sea of pink, coming together for a cure.