Who are you running for?

I got a message from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation this morning explaining some of the great strides they have made from donations. I think it is important to show you as it demonstrates the importance of giving back and how our donations truly make a difference.

- Since their inception, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation has invested $230 million towards research. This donation is making a substantial impact on the understanding of breast Cancer and how we may treat and prevent the disease. With the support of donors they are making great strides.

- With the generous support of Canadians the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's strategic investments are making a significant impact to affect change and gain a better understanding of Breast Cancer. The foundation's funding focuses on areas such as primary prevention, treatment, and improving the care and quality of life for those affected by the disease.

- Each year, through open calls for proposals, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation invests in research projects, fellowships, and community based grants in support of their vision of creating a future without breast Cancer. In the 2010 fiscal year, the Foundation funded over $14 million in research grants to support this vision.

- For over 20 years, the Foundation has invested in innovative breast Cancer research pioneers. Together with these true leaders as well as future frontrunners in the breast Cancer research field, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation has funded work that has uncovered more about this disease leading to more effective treatment and prevention strategies.

- The Canadian Breast Cancer foundation's work surrounding youth awareness is education a new generation of young Canadians about prevention and understanding the disease. From coast-to-coast the Foundation is reaching out to communities to spread education and awareness. Recently, the Foundation's Tour for the Cure bus reached over 10,000 Atlantic Canadians to educate community members about breast health and screening. The foundation's community grants, which totalled over $2.5 million in fiscal 2010, include funded programs that are connecting with communities across ethno-cultural backgrounds and regions, to educate and advocate for breast Cancer awareness.

- The Canadian Breast Cancer foundation's investments are making a difference. Since 1986, the breast Cancer death rate has fallen by more than 30% and is currently the lowest it has been since 1950; since 1999, the incidence of Breast Cancer in Canada has stabilized. The significant improvement in survival rates for women with breast Cancer since the mid-1980's is likely a result of improvements in screening and advances in treatment. Yet breast Cancer remains a complex disease and there remains much work to be done.

This will be the third year I have had a team in the Run for the Cure and it is a very significant event for myself and the many individuals affected by breast Cancer. To learn more about the Marlene's Meal Makeovers team and donate please visit http://www.runforthecure.com/goto/marlenemacpherson. Thank you so much for your support, you truly are making a difference!