THUNDER BAY -- Four years ago Michelle Blackburn thought breast cancer was something women would only get when they were older.
She realized she was wrong when she was diagnosed well before her 30th birthday.
“I didn’t know anybody else my age who was diagnosed. I didn’t know young women got breast cancer. It was shocking to me,” she said before the start of the CIBC Run for the Cure.
“But my friends and family were there the entire time. They wouldn’t let me quit and they still won’t.”
More than 600 registered participants gathered at the Legion Track on a brisk Sunday morning for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual fundraising run.
Blackburn, along with seven other survivors and their network of family and friends, formed the Leopard Pack group. Their contingent had 60 people.
Bonding together as well as sharing their spirit of perseverance and collective energy is what the run is all about.
“It really helps show people they aren’t alone in this battle, that they’re not alone in this disease. A lot of times survivors will come out to this event by themselves or with a few members of their family,” Blackburn said. “This event gives them the opportunity to see there are other people, meet other people and talk to them and questions.”
Run director Bonnie Tittaferrante said as of the morning about $60,000 had already been raised, which puts them on target to meet their fundraising goal by the end of the month.
While the fundraising is a vital component, she said it’s the personal stories that make the run such a rewarding and revered event.
“It’s the survivors. They’re why we’re here every year. They are so empowering and have so much passion it makes you want to keep working harder for them,” Tittaferrante said.
Blackburn addressed the group during the opening ceremonies at the track prior to the run, which took place in the Chapples Park area along the Neebing River.
She hopes her experiences can help those who are going through what she did when she was first diagnosed in 2010.
“I think it’s really important as a supporter of the cause to put my money where my mouth is and share my story to help encourage other people to participate,” she said.
“There is always hope. You can’t stop believing. You’re not alone and don’t give up.”