Inspired by her mother, a breast cancer survivor, Surrey resident Carley Adams joined this year’s Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure organizing committee as the Registration Coordinator. This volunteer opportunity allows her to raise awareness and funds to support the disease that impacted her mom and to help create a future without breast cancer.
“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. She was going through treatment during the CIBC Run for the Cure in 2012 and couldn’t participate, but it was inspiring for us to see all the men and women who had survived,” said Adams.
“After receiving both chemo and radiation, my mom is now cancer-free, and it’s an amazing feeling to see her walking in the Survivor Parade with the other survivors.
It’s why for the past two years my family and friends participate in the event and hold an annual fundraiser. However, I wanted to be more involved so I joined the Run committee in Surrey.”
Although this is her first year volunteering on the committee, Adams did her practicum project with the CBCF in 2012 to complete her BBA in Human Resource Management at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
As the Registration Coordinator, Adams is using her education and experience to work with the committee to identify volunteer roles and requirements. On Run day, she is responsible for organizing, training, and overseeing volunteers at the Registration tent, recording fundraising totals and identifying fundraising award winners.
When she is not volunteering, Adams enjoys enjoy spending time with my friends and family in her spare time.
She is looking forward to run day, especially the Survivor Parade, which highlights the courage and strength of breast cancer survivors, but also honours those that have passed away from the disease.
Since its inception in 1992, the CIBC Run for the Cure has helped the Foundation fund groundbreaking research from coast to coast. Thanks to the efforts of the Foundation and their supporters, mortality rates have declined by 42 per cent since their peak in 1986. Early detection methods, such as regular mammography screening, have helped many women - and men - improve their chances of survival.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure takes place Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. at Bear Creek Park (13570 88 Ave.) Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com