Run for Hope with the Northern Cancer Foundation!

For the second consecutive year, the Northern Cancer Foundation is holding their Walk/Run for Hope, a marathon consisting of 1km, 3km, and 5km routes through Bell Park to raise funds and awareness for the Northeast Cancer Centre. It takes place Sunday, June 12th, with registration beginning at 10:00am. We spoke with Shane Gordon, Community Development Coordinator for the Northern Cancer Foundation, about this year’s event, their 2016 goal, and what they have planned in the upcoming months!

First off, can you tell us a little bit about the Walk/Run for Hope? How many years has the NCF hosted this event? How many participants have taken part in the past, and is this event for individuals of any age?

The 2016 Cancer Centre Walk/ Run for Hope is the second time we’ve hosted the event. In our inaugural year, we didn’t coordinate with the weather man and had a bit of a damp event but still managed to have over 200 people (from seniors to children) participate – it was a really great day. The Walk/Run for Hope was the brainchild of our Donor Support and Office Administrator Denise Foucault. She’s been saying that we need to have this walk for years and she’s really led the charge on it.

How much was raised during the 2015 event, and what is this year’s goal?

Last year we raised $20 000, which for a first time event is pretty great and we’re very proud about that. For this year’s Cancer Centre Walk/Run we’re being a little more ambitious and aiming for $50 000. We’ve really worked hard to get the word out for this year and we’ve had over 500 people take registration packages so our hopes are high!

What do the donations raised during the 2016 Walk/Run support?

This is really the coolest part about the Cancer Centre Walk/Run. The NCF is more than just a charity, we’re a community of like-minded individuals all working towards one goal. The Walk/Run is an opportunity for all of our funds to get together and celebrate the Northeast Cancer Centre, but also celebrate themselves. Participants get to choose what their pledges and donations support from any of our amazing funds.

Is there a way for us to contribute and donate if we are not able to take part in the Walk/Run for Hope?

For the people who are out of town or can’t take part in the Cancer Centre Walk/Run, you can still support the event and their friends and family who are taking part by sponsoring a participant. That would come in the form or pledges, or online donations at the event website: http://ncfsudbury.akaraisin.com/ccwr2016

How does it feel knowing that the Sudbury community is coming together to join the fight against cancer?

It feels nothing short of incredible. Sudbury has one of the highest rates of cancer in the country and it definitely feels like the community knows that. Between students running their blitzes, the $1 million donation from the city, and the countless supporters that stop by the office, hold events, donate their hair, the list goes on and on – everything that they do counts and it matters. It matters here, at home and anywhere in Northeastern Ontario.

How is the Northern Cancer Foundation working to make a difference in the care provided in northeastern Ontario?

The fact of the matter is, when anyone in northeastern Ontario is diagnosed with cancer they are referred to the Northeast Cancer Centre – that’s from Wawa east to Mattawa and the James Bay Coast south to Parry Sound. Our biggest goal is to advance and make a difference in cancer outcomes across the northeast. Whether that’s through funding the research of tumor biologists at the Health Sciences North Research Institute, purchasing new cutting-edge equipment like a P.E.T. Scan or by simply giving grants to patients who struggle with the financial burden that often accompanies cancer treatment. Every nickel that comes to our office stays right here in northeastern Ontario.

How can we follow the Northern Cancer Foundation, donate, and keep up with upcoming events and fundraisers?

We’ve always got something coming down the pipeline – you can follow along on Facebook (Northern Cancer Foundation), Twitter (@NCFSudbury) and most recently on Instagram (@ncfsudbury). You can find out more about the Cancer Centre Walk/Run for Hope and all of our other events at www.ncfsudbury.com.

***Photos: Northern Cancer Foundation

Adriana Nicolucci

Adriana Nicolucci is a Communications and Film Production graduate, fashion enthusiast, and patterned sock collector. She’s often spotted munching on the Eenie Meenie Grilled Zucchini Pizza at the Buddha. Danny Ocean is her spirit animal, except she’s planning a heist to steal your hearts (not a casino)

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