On your marks, get set, register! The 2015 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure registration is now open

TORONTO, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Registration is now open for the 2015 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, which invites runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the largest, single-day, volunteer-led fundraising event in support of breast cancer research.

Now in its 24^th year, the CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in more than 60 communities across Canada.  Whether registering as an individual or a team, the newly revamped website will make registration and fundraising easier than ever, and there are some exciting new developments in store for participants this year. Early registration is crucial as it will allow participants more time to reach their fundraising goal. Participants are encouraged to register before June 15 for a chance to win one of two round trip flights for two to any scheduled WestJet destination.  Full contest details available at cibcrunforthecure.com

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women, with one in four cancer diagnoses being breast cancer. An estimated 24,400 Canadian women (and 210 Canadian men) were diagnosed in Canada in 2014.

"CBCF is so grateful to everyone who touches this event, from the dedicated participants, to the passionate volunteers, to the incredible sponsors," said Jane Parsons, co-CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. "Breast cancer is a disease that touches almost every Canadian at some point in their lives, so we truly are all in this together. Your participation means everything to the women and families affected by breast cancer.    

Thanks to events like CIBC Run for the Cure, CBCF has been able to fund groundbreaking research, health education and advocacy initiatives that have contributed to improvements in early detection through mammography screening, advances in screening technology and improved cancer treatments.  As a result, fewer Canadian women are dying from breast cancer today than ever before  – since their peak in 1986, breast cancer deaths have decreased by 43 percent.

"Breast cancer is a cause that affects us all," says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC and CIBC's Executive Run Sponsor. "Every dollar raised through the CIBC Run for the Cure is essential to continue to advance the important work being done for a future without breast cancer. Our employees are passionate about supporting the CIBC Run for the Cure and we invite everyone to join us on October 4 – we're all in this together."

For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure or to register, visit: www.cibcrunforthecure.com  

About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC and our employees are committed to the social and economic development of our communities, with a focus on Kids, Cures and Community. In 2014, CIBC supported over 420 communities across Canada, contributing more than $42 million to 1,780 charitable and non-profit initiatives, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation thanks its generous sponsors for their support of this year's events, including CIBC, Canpar, Pandora, Pennington's, Philips, Running Room and WestJet.

SOURCE Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Media contact: Jeri Brown, [email protected], 416-342-1842