Run for Mom

Run for Mom is an annual community-based run/walk event held on Mother’s Day of each year to raise funds, awareness and support for breast health programs and services for Yukon women. This includes, but is not limited to, the purchase of diagnostic equipment, delivery of services, teaching and educational resources, public awareness, and development and support of community projects and programs related to breast health.

Goals:

• To raise funds to provide support for breast health programs/services for Yukon women as outlined in the Mission Statement,
• To collaborate with community partners in order to keep ownership of the event at the community level,
• To establish broad based community support,
• To create public awareness around breast health and breast cancer,
• To provide a venue for support for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families,
• To celebrate the success of Run for Mom in our community,
• To have fun!

Over the years, the proceeds from the Run for Mom have been put to very good use. Here is a quick summary of initiatives supported by the Run for Mom:

• In early 2009, the new digital mammography unit was installed in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Whitehorse General Hospital. The machine requires less pressure and less radiation, provides clearer images, and results are sent electronically immediately to radiologists in Edmonton for rapid interpretation. The cost of this new machine was close to $700,000, all of which was raised through Run for Mom. Prior to the digital machine, the old mammography unit was also purchased with funds from the Run for Mom;
• An ultrasound machine for performing breast ultrasounds has recently been purchased for the Diagnostic Imaging Department
• The publication of a new handout for women on what to expect when they come for a mammogram;
• Special mammography gowns for women to wear when they have their mammogram;
• Supported the Paddlers Abreast canoe team for several years;
• Funded two local breast cancer survivors to attend the International Congress on Breast Cancer in 2008 in Winnipeg and to the International Dragon Boat Festival in Peterborough in 2010;
• Purchased furniture for the Mammography Unit at the Whitehorse general Hospital.

These fundraising initiatives are critical to the breast health of Yukoners but perhaps the biggest reward is acknowledging that our community is much more comfortable talking about breast health and breast cancer. The Run for Mom has helped break down those societal barriers and has taken an active role in promoting breast health and supporting breast cancer in the Yukon.

Please join us along this wonderful journey as we continue to raise funds for breast health awareness in the territory. Breast cancer affects the entire community and together we can make a difference. Check out our website: www.runformom.com