CIBC Run for the Cure

I recently participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure. It is in support of Breast Cancer research and awareness. Myself, my friend Andrea and my other friend, Shannon, all participated in the Run. We were running in support of Shannon, who currently has a family member with Breast Cancer.

It was probably one of the most moving days I have had this year. We were all given white t-shirts for participating and the survivors were given pink t-shirts. This intermingling definitely swelled emotions that I did not realize I had. I was moved by how strong all of the women at the event were and how each person was supporting those around them. It was a truly positive experience. I think it was a nice change from all of the negative that seems to circulate on the news.

The participants were given a pinney with a number on it or it was blank and said "I am running for" at the top. Some people had "in memory of" and others had lists of people that they were supporting. One man, walking with his wife, who was wearing a pink t-shirt but was still obviously going through chemo, had "my love" written on his pinney. I think that was one of the many moving moments of that day.

And all I kept thinking of was all of the people I know who were touched by cancer. It is a scary phenomenon, once you begin to bring it into your perspective and world. I was reflecting on each person I knew while we did the 5km trail. At times, the girls and I were talking, but I think most of our thoughts were with those people that cancer has touched. It definitely made me snap out of the "school-work-till-you-drop environment" and realize that there are people out there with situations that trump each little daily stress bubbles.

The moral of the story: I was wondering how I would maintain my community involvement after I graduate. I think that raising awareness about a cause to promote a greater good is something I would like to uptake. But we shall see.