Canadians raise $17 million to change future of breast cancer through Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, more than 85,000 Canadians in 56 communities across the country were united by the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, raising an estimated $17 million.

The Run, now in its 26^th year, is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event dedicated to the breast cancer cause. The funds raised through the Run will be invested by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) in the most promising breast cancer research that is leading the way in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, as well as funding compassionate support programs for those affected by this disease.

"I am truly inspired to see so many Canadians once again embrace the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure and show their passionate support for changing the future of breast cancer," says Lynne Hudson, President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. "1 in 8 Canadian women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The promise that thousands of Canadians from coast to coast made today will go a long way in helping us reduce those odds, improve outcomes and support people living with cancer and their families."

The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is a trailblazing partnership between the CCS, CIBC and communities across Canada. This year's Run marked CIBC's 21^st year as title sponsor. Together with tens of thousands of participants and supporters across the country, the Run has created a movement that brings Canadians together in support of friends, family and loved ones who experience breast cancer.

"We are proud to support the Canadian Cancer Society and the work they do to bring us one step closer to conquering breast cancer," says Christina Kramer, Senior Executive Vice-President & Group Head, Personal & Small Business Banking Canada and Executive Run Sponsor of the CIBC Run for the Cure. "On behalf of all of us at CIBC, thank you to our clients, friends, families and neighbours for helping to support vital research, education and programs that make a real difference in the lives of people with breast cancer."

"We are deeply grateful for our partner of more than two decades, CIBC, and their steadfast commitment to the breast cancer cause. Thanks to CIBC and the Changemakers who take part in the Run each year, the CIBC Run for the Cure has raised more than $410 million since it began in 1992," explains Hudson. "We are proud to bring together an inspirational community of people committed to creating a world where no Canadian fears breast cancer."

Thanks to donors, supporters and impactful events like the CIBC Run for the Cure, investments in cancer research have made a difference. Mortality rates for breast cancer are 44% lower than their peak in the mid 1980's and approximately 87% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are expected to live five years beyond their diagnosis.

The Run this year is the first to take place since the merger between the CCS and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). Together, CCS and the former CBCF combined have funded over 1,000 research projects. The mandate and spirit of CBCF, including the CIBC Run for the Cure, remain a vital and important part of the CCS. All funds raised through the Run will continue to support the breast cancer cause.

About the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure
The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research. On October 1, 2017, this national movement brought together participants and volunteers in almost 60 communities across the country to create a future without breast cancer. Since the event began in 1992, the CIBC Run for the Cure has raised more than $410 million for breast cancer research and support. Donate or learn more at www.cibcrunforthecure.com

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. With CIBC employees at the heart of raising funds, the bank supports initiatives that improve access to care, education and programs for our communities. In 2016, CIBC contributed more than $65 million to non-profit initiatives across Canada, led by our flagship fundraiser the CIBC Run for the Cure. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/ or by following on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cibc), Twitter @CIBC, Facebook (www.facebook.com/CIBC) and Instagram @CIBCNow.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society