Staff pitch in to vanquish breast cancer

Hundreds of U of T staff took part in the CIBC Run for the Cure last week to support those they know who are currently battling breast cancer or those who have lost the fight.  But they also ran to fight back, by raising money for early detection, treatment and research. For Marr Kelly, a breast cancer survivor who is manager of the Sports Medicine Clinic, it means a lot.

“In 2007 I was personally diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Kelly, who was the team captain for the 24-member Thriving at U of T squad.  “To me it’s more about how many people it affects. It affects everybody; it’s stunning the number of people that are affected by cancer. Breast cancer is pervasive. It’s also hitting a younger and younger population group than ever before. When I went in to focus groups, I was the youngest one.”  

“I remember that moment in 2007, going back to that place where I was, which was post chemo. We had no wigs and I had no hair.”

The team had a team fundraising goal of $5,000 and to date has collected $6,805.30.

Darcy Brioux, another Thriving at U of T runner, said having his employer support the event is really empowering. He’s been taking part in the run as a staff member for 12 years.

“It’s just incredible as far as spirit building and camaraderie amongst staff,” he said. “It’s connected  me with staff I don’t work with normally so just being out there and walking with them and learning about the work that they do is so huge to making you feel wonderful about working at U of T.”

 “It was pretty moving to see all these people running for someone in their family,” said Chris Garbutt, senior student communications officer for the office of student life.

Run for the Cure has been held on both the St. George and Mississauga campuses for the last two years.  The U of T Mississauga team had 32 members this year and raised $4,155.

“The spirit was so great”, said Nicolle Wahl, assistant director of communications at U of T Mississauga. “During the ceremony they introduced a 5-year-old girl who had breast cancer. She was all dressed in pink and just seeing that put everything in perspective."

Back at the St. George campus, where President David Naylor made opening remarks, U of T’s HR Olympians, staff from human resources, had a 25-member team and raised approximately $7,800 for the cause.

“Even though it’s a tough cause, it’s a happy event for U of T,” said Teresa Scannell, a work-life consultant. “There were over 500 people from U of T involved.

“I like to bring my family to the event as well. They see U of T at a time when it’s festive. I really believe it gives us a sense of community. It creates a sense of pride in U of T. I’m very proud.”

Bryn MacPherson, executive director for the office of the president, helped organize the institutional table at the St. George event, featuring a raffle and information about fitness opportunities.

 “It was a great opportunity to connect with alumni, potential students and their family who were asking about the university,” said MacPherson, whose best friend has breast cancer. “We had well over 1,000 people visit the booth.
“Everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way. It’s just nice to be able to take part in such a great cause.”