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2105 PARTICIPANTS RAISED $5.5 MILLION IN 60-KILOMETRE WEEKEND TO END BREAST CANCER
(August 20, 2006, Vancouver, BC) – Yesterday, BC Cancer Foundation announced that 2105 participants raised $5.5 million in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, a two-day, 60 kilometre walk to raise funds for breast cancer research in Vancouver. This is the third annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk in Vancouver, a multi-day event that has raised over $17 million to date. The fourth annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation is already planned for August 17-19, 2007.
Perhaps a little weary from their 30 kilometre trek the day before, participants in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, had no problem finding the drive and determination to get up early this morning and continue on the last 30 kilometres of their 60 kilometre journey.
Walkers set out early yesterday morning after a moving Opening Ceremony at Plaza of Nations. Hours later, they arrived at a “Tent City” erected at Killarney Park, where they were greeted by hot showers, meals and entertainment. Hundreds of Volunteers and Crew members are on hand over the course of the two day event to provide support at every level including meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the streets, and comprehensive medical services.
“It takes a tremendous amount of planning – and hundreds of Volunteers - to be able to look after so many participants and ensure their safety as they wind their way through the city over a two day period,” said Nick Locke, senior VP of development at the BC Cancer Foundation and an event participant. “We’ve worked with local authorities with regard to the route and street safety; we’re providing plenty of Pit Stops for Walkers to re-hydrate and refuel; and we’ve got a great volunteer medical response team on hand at all times to help with blisters, dehydration, or any other medical issues.”
“Already we have seen the impact of these funds on our research,” said Dr. Sam Aparicio, internationally renowned breast cancer researcher at the BC Cancer Agency. “One example is we were able to save a unique breast tumour archive, which has sparked international collaboration, with the BC Cancer Agency taking the lead. We are looking at over 2000 cases of breast cancer to try and understand how many types of breast cancer there are. This has implications in learning more about differing risk factors and prevention.”
“Proceeds from the event also enabled us to host the first international workshop of The Weekend to End Breast Cancer scientists here in Vancouver last year,” Dr.Aparicio added.
In addition to the funds raised, The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is important in generating awareness about breast cancer. The BC Cancer Foundation also hopes to build awareness and expand its donor base to maximize funding for BC Cancer Agency research and care programs.
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefits the BC Cancer Foundation, an independent charitable organization which directly and exclusively supports research and enhancements to care throughout B.C., at the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency, an international leader in the fight against cancer, has developed a breast cancer research program built on the Agency's unique strength in translational research and its province-wide cancer control system. The BC Cancer Agency is also dedicated to early detection of breast cancer — a critical factor in improving patient outcomes. With cancer survival rates better than any other province in Canada, the BC Cancer Agency has become a model for cancer care and control around the world.
For more information about the event, or to register as a participant for next year, please contact (604) 684-9255, or sign up online at www.endcancer.ca.
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