KAGAWONG—When Heather Theijsmeijer of Kagawong takes part in the annual CIBC Run for the Cure in Sudbury, she always keeps several of her friends in mind, including Mary Buie of Kagawong who normally takes part in the event herself but will not be able to this year.
“I always keep Mary in mind when I participate in the run,” Ms. Theijsmeijer told The Expositor. “Mary is an incredible lady who is unable to take part in the run this year but I understand members of her family are running in various locations throughout Canada.”
“Another friend who is my age and who I went to school with is also on my mind during the run/walk,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer. “Everybody knows someone who is battling cancer, and I keep them in mind when I participate in the run.”
On her page on the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure Facebook page Ms. Theijsmeijer explained, “Amy, Courtney, Mary, Nathalie, Sharon, Bobbi. These are all friends of mine who have been impacted directly by breast cancer. They are truly strong individuals who motivate me to be the best possible person I can be. I hope that by running, I can provide a little bit of motivation for them as well.”
“It’s hard to believe that this will be my 13th year running the Sudbury Run for the Cure,” wrote Ms. Theijsmeijer. “Thank you to friends, family, and colleagues who have donated toward this cause in the past. Every little bit helps, and I am grateful for anything you can contribute, even best wishes. I thank you in advance.”
“I’ve set a goal of $1,000 to fundraise for this year’s event, and have raised $750 so far,” Ms. Theijsmeijer told The Expositor Friday. “I am very humbled at people’s generosity. It is very touching. Especially when there are so many other important things that people could spend their money on and support.”
“This is my 13th year taking part in the run, which is wild in itself,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer who is a regular runner. “I run regularly but not for time; it is more casual, relaxed.”
“Sunday’s run was in person, the first time this event has been held in person over the past three years due to the pandemic,” said Ms. Theijsmeijer.
“It went very well, we had gorgeous weather,” Ms. Theijsmeijer told The Expositor Sunday evening after the run in Sudbury. “We had over 300 participants in the run and just over $50,000 was raised, which was fantastic.”
Ms. Theijsmeijer, who was joined on the run by her husband Chris, surpassed her fundraising goal of $1,000, raising $1,200. “It was a great day.”
More than 45,000 participants and volunteers in 53 communities throughout Canada came together at the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, raising more than $13 million to change the future of breast cancer forever.
