It takes a tremendous amount of courage to share some of the personal experiences we endure, and there’s no doubt sharing one’s story of fighting cancer would be near the top of that list.

It’s the disease we all are familiar with – after all, our chances of contracting it at some point in our lives isn’t exactly remote. Also, we all know someone – friend, loved one, colleague – who has been diagnosed.

Coming up this fall is the annual CIBC Run for the Cure, set for Oct. 6. The CIBC Run for the Cure is a 5km or 1km walk or run that raises funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause. On average, 65 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day. And on average, 14 Canadian women will die from breast cancer each day.

As organizers begin to bolster awareness about the event, they always find a local person who has battled cancer and is now willing to share their experience. It’s a great way of highlighting how important CIBC Run for the Cure is, for spreading hope, and to show how the event directly benefits those fighting this disease.

Vikki Scott spoke of her battle with breast cancer at the recent media launch held in Red Deer. She’s truly inspiring – as she honestly and openly shared about her journey.

She was first diagnosed in February of 2009 and finished her treatments in August of the same year. Today, she continues to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and encourages others to do the same because she has seen firsthand the benefits of the money raised.

Since having been diagnosed and finishing treatment, Scott continues to return for check ups every six months. Once a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer the concern becomes that they are prone to other types of cancer like ovarian and cervical.

Of course, it’s a community of support that helps to provide strength when facing something like this. Scott said her support system of family, friends, doctors and nurses is what got her through.

That support also shines through at events like the CIBC Run for the Cure. At the event, breast cancer survivors are welcomed to survivor tents to connect and share stories with others whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. They support each other through shared stories and newly formed friendships.

Events like this are certainly worth supporting, and we encourage Red Deerians to get behind the cause.