福利姬自慰

The HR Olympians from human resources were out in force at Run for the Cure. Pictured, left to right, are Stephanie Lanthier, Sharron Cohan, Tricia Patel, Christina Sass-Kortsak, Rosalyn Figov, Sue Glavan, Debbie Ovsenny and Ellie and Emma Scully. (HR pho

Staff pitch in to vanquish breast cancer

Turn out in droves for Run for the Cure

Hundreds of 福利姬自慰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.

鈥淚n 2007 I was personally diagnosed with breast cancer,鈥 said Kelly, who was the team captain for the 24-member Thriving at U of T squad.  鈥淭o me it鈥檚 more about how many people it affects. It affects everybody; it鈥檚 stunning the number of people that are affected by cancer. Breast cancer is pervasive. It鈥檚 also hitting a younger and younger population group than ever before. When I went in to focus groups, I was the youngest one.鈥  

鈥淚 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.鈥

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鈥檚 been taking part in the run as a staff member for 12 years.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just incredible as far as spirit building and camaraderie amongst staff,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 connected  me with staff I don鈥檛 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.鈥

 鈥淚t was pretty moving to see all these people running for someone in their family,鈥 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 team had 32 members this year and raised $4,155.

鈥淭he spirit was so great鈥, said Nicolle Wahl, assistant director of communications at 福利姬自慰Mississauga. 鈥淒uring 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鈥檚 HR Olympians, staff from human resources, had a 25-member team and raised approximately $7,800 for the cause.

鈥淓ven though it鈥檚 a tough cause, it鈥檚 a happy event for U of T,鈥 said Teresa Scannell, a work-life consultant. 鈥淭here were over 500 people from 福利姬自慰involved.

鈥淚 like to bring my family to the event as well. They see 福利姬自慰at a time when it鈥檚 festive. I really believe it gives us a sense of community. It creates a sense of pride in U of T. I鈥檓 very proud.鈥

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.

 鈥淚t was a great opportunity to connect with alumni, potential students and their family who were asking about the university,鈥 said MacPherson, whose best friend has breast cancer. 鈥淲e had well over 1,000 people visit the booth.
鈥淓veryone has been touched by breast cancer in some way. It鈥檚 just nice to be able to take part in such a great cause.鈥

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