The Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers announces $3.7 million raised as 8th annual Weekend commences in Montreal Français
Largest women's cancer fundraiser in Quebec history draws 1,710 participants and funds research, treatment, care and prevention programs at the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital
MONTREAL, Aug. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers announced 1,710 participants raised over $3.7 million for the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital as the 8th annual Weekend commenced Saturday morning in Montreal. Weekend participants will walk over 60 km in two days through Montreal neighbourhoods and along the Saint Lawrence River with an overnight camp and closing ceremony at Queen of Angels Academy.
"We are most grateful to our walkers and their supporters who helped make the 8th annual Pharmaprix Weekend to End Women's Cancers an overwhelming success," said Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish General Hospital.
"This year in Canada, over 31K women will be diagnosed with a form of breast or gynecologic cancer, and nearly 8K will die from the disease. Funds from The Weekend are vital to our cancer program at Jewish General Hospital and support life-saving research, treatment, care and prevention programs involving breast, gynecologic, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers at The Segal Cancer Centre," added Bick.
In 8 years, The Weekend has raised over $48 million for the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital, making it the largest fundraiser for women's cancers in the history of Quebec. The annual Weekend brings together communities of survivors and their supporters who spend months fundraising and training for the two-day walk.
"20 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a complete mastectomy," said Monique Lafrance, of Brossard, who is walking for the first time.
"I am thrilled to take part in The Weekend and my personal goal is to help others who are dealing with cancer to get the treatment they need, and to help prevent others from getting cancer in the first place. I support Jewish General Hospital's vision for raising these vital funds for research, treatment, prevention and care for all women's cancers. Today has been quite emotional, but I've made some incredible friends already and will be doing The Weekend from here on out until we put an end to this horrible disease," Lafrance added.
Funds raised by The Weekend enable the Segal Cancer Centre to deploy a range of vital initiatives in Montreal including early detection, treatment and prevention programs in the city. Weekend funds recently supported the opening of the newly relocated and expanded Breast Referral and Investigation Centre at The Jewish General Hospital.
"By relocating and expanding our Breast Referral and Investigation Centre, we can now see 30 to 40 percent more patients annually," said Dr. Gerald Batist, Director of the Segal Cancer Centre at The Jewish General Hospital.
"This ground-breaking centre would not have been possible without vital funds raised by The Weekend over the last 8 years and because of it, we are helping more women to live better lives through early diagnosis and advanced treatment therapies here in Montreal," Dr. Batist added.
On Sunday, Walkers will finish their 60 km journey at Queen of Angels Academy where The Weekend closing ceremonies will take place. The ceremonies involve a procession which brings together everyone involved in making this year's Weekend a success including: Weekend Walkers, crew members and volunteers who unite with survivors and supporters for a celebration and emotional reflection on their collective achievements.
Registration for the 2013 Weekend opened on Saturday. The 9th annual event will take place August 24th and 25th of next year in Montreal.
"We encourage everyone to join us in 2013 for our 9th annual Weekend, it will be a fabulous reunion for past walkers and thousands of new ones. Registration for 2013 is now open, so visit www.endcancer.ca or call (514)-393-WALK (9255) to register today," said Bick.
Event organizers expect hundreds of people to attend public cheering stations along the route. For full event details, please visit www.endcancer.ca or call (514) 393-WALK (9255).
About The Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital Foundation - CLICK HERE
MEDIA PHOTOS FROM TODAY - CLICK HERE
VIDEOS FROM TODAY - CLICK HERE
SOURCE: WEWC/RTCC/UA events c/o CauseForce
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Scott, Public Relations; 1.877.500.7551; [email protected]
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