Laurieheels Posted October 4, 2004 Posted October 4, 2004 Today was a day where heels sat in the closet. it's something important to discuss. Serious things that have touched at my heart and got me thinking. So I had to write about this, share, and hopefully touch a few other people as well. Today in Calgary it was time for the CIBC Run for the Cure. CIBC is a bank here in Canada, not one that I am very impressed with, but this is a great cause and great causes need sponsors. I cannot begrudge any company at a moment when they are involved with that. My sister and I volunteered to help out. We were course marshals for the race, along with scores of other people. We were up quite early for a Sunday, and fueled with coffee, we headed downtown to sign in and receive our instructions for helping with something so important. A race to raise money and awareness for breat cancer. And this is not just a marathon for people who run, it is an event for everyone. People touched by cancer in many ways. So as I stood a few blocks from the start, holding a sign that directed those who were doing the 1K walk as their means of participation, I was able to see something incredible. People from all walks of life come together for a common cause. The police motorcycles raced ahead, ensuring the barriers were still in place, and the ignorance of drivers was swiftly crushed to ensure the safety of the participants. And then, a flood of people, all at a jogging pace, all there for a cause. And pinned to many of the white T-shirts given to participants were signs, indicating why people were running. Some had pictures of their loved one, afflicted by this cancer, some just names. One name, or several. Proper names, or just "mom" or "grandma" Some ran for their daughters, with hopes of ensuring they would grow up never having to fear the tragedy brought on by cancer. To see so many names, so many pictures, and then see thousands of people running and walking in support of the survivors, and in memory of those who passed on, it was something that made me feel a sense of wonder and pride as much as sadness. I took pictures. People carrying banners. People with signs. People wearing pink wigs. Groups of people, individuals, all together. And after the lead group of determined runners passed by, people moving at a slow jog or a walk passing along, smiling, talking, celebrating their loves ones. A sea of white T-shirts, a human wave washing over the streets in support of a battle against something frightening. A battle they all wish to win, and have much optimism for. It stirs the emotions to see this, to be a part of it. I am not up to running, I am not good at raising donations, but I do enjoy giving a hand. And there is a reward in knowing you are taking part in something that is more than just raising money or awareness. It is as if people from all over gathered to celebrate the human spirit, and the victories of woman and men over breast cancer. Yes, men can get it too. They don't have breasts in the way women do, they're not producing milk after being pregnant, but they can develop the same type of tumors in that area. There are many types of cancer, and anything that helps solve one form will be a boon to others. To be even a tiny part of such an event feels good. And I needed to share it.
hjt101 Posted October 4, 2004 Posted October 4, 2004 Same event took place in Vancouver as well today. It is sad to see in this day and age, so many people dying from such a horrible disease. Cancer is such a simple disease, that is so hard to cure. I know the CIBC is not doing an event everywhere, so support your local groups. Let's all do our art to find a cure! Proudly standing in my patent High Heels
PJ Posted October 6, 2004 Posted October 6, 2004 Laurie; Thanks for reminding us about this wonderful cause. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) must be commended for being one of the major sponsors. You can find more national Canadian sponsors listed at http://www.cbcf.org/corp/sponsors.html. Also please understand that their are local sponsors everywhere this run took place. But they are too numerous to mention here. For those who would like to help or support this cause: for Canadians http://www.bcsc.ca/bcsc_html/contribute/cont_vol.html for Americans http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOW/HOW_0.asp for Europeans http://www.cancereurope.com/progetti/cancerworld/Europadonna/pagine/Contact/framecontact.html for Australians http://www.nbcc.org.au/about/contact.html I'm sorry I did not have the time to find links for every country represented by our members. Please use the internet to search as I did. click .... click .... click .... The sensual sound of stiletto heels on a hard surface.
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