A CIBC employee’s connection to breast cancer motivates him to make a difference with CIBC Run for the Cure
For over 20 years, Scott has participated in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led event in support of the breast cancer cause. As someone whose family has been affected by breast cancer and a CIBC employee, the meaning behind the Run is personal to Scott in more ways than one.
Scott’s involvement in the Run began when he and his wife Ann – both CIBC employees in Halifax, Nova Scotia – joined Team CIBC to support their co-workers and raise money for a cause that was important to them. Ann’s mother and great aunt had passed away from breast cancer, and with 1 in 8 Canadian women expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime, the pair wanted to show their support for all Canadians affected by the disease.
“My wife has four sisters and I have five, so there’s a chance that someone in our family could one day be diagnosed,” Scott shares. “It’s because of events like the Run that we can continue to make progress in diagnosing and treating breast cancer – and giving hope to all those affected by it.”
A passion for supporting the breast cancer cause
Each year, Scott raises thousands of dollars for the Run. Part of his fundraising includes trading in bottles and cans collected from friends and family and donating the money to the Run. His creative fundraising efforts combined with his passion for the cause led him to being last year’s top CIBC fundraiser in the Atlantic Region.
“Some people wonder how, after all these years, I still find so much support from my community,” he shares. “The key is demonstrating my passion for the Run and the breast cancer cause to inspire others to get involved.”
Memorable moments
“We were part way through the course, and we were thinking about stopping. My wife and I said, ‘We’re getting a little wet today, but those affected by breast cancer don’t get to turn around and decide they don’t want to do this anymore. So how can we stop?’ We continued and walked the full 5km.”
Scott’s favourite part about the Run is seeing members of Team CIBC, friends, family and survivors come together as a community in support of the breast cancer cause.
“Every year I love seeing the crowds of people walking through the streets of the city wearing Run shirts,” shares Scott. “We usually run into a lot of people that we know and it’s inspiring knowing that you’re there all for the same reason – to support this wonderful cause.”
A one-of-a-kind reimagined Run
While COVID-19 may have changed our world this year, it won’t stop participants like Scott from coming together to support those living with or beyond breast cancer.
On October 4, 2020, Canadians across the country will take part in our first-ever nationwide virtual CIBC Run for the Cure. It will include all the best things about Run Day – like connecting with your teammates, an inspirational opening ceremony, and a high-energy warm-up – as well as new features like the ability to create and customize your own avatar on our refreshed mobile app and website.
In 2019, more than 15,000 members of Team CIBC volunteered, walked, ran and raised $3 million for the Run. While the Run may look a bit different this year, Scott’s motivation and dedication to raising funds for Team CIBC remains stronger than ever.
“I think it’s fantastic that we’re able to participate in the Run in a new way. My wife and I intend to walk 5k on the day and I know Team CIBC will come together to rally around the virtual Run,” says Scott. “I’m excited to be part of a collective of Canadians helping change the future of breast cancer.”
On average, more than 75 Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day. But, thanks to funds raised through the CIBC Run for the Cure, we know more than ever before about how to prevent, diagnose, treat and live with and beyond breast cancer. Together, with support from passionate participants like Scott and Team CIBC, we can change the future of breast cancer.