By Nancy McMillan
Happy New Year!
With BRIGHT Run 18 upon us, I think it is interesting to note the significance of the number 18, or Chai, which symbolizes LIFE, a lucky number for giving. Giving can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, such as the sharing of time, energy, assets, knowledge and kindness.
Our BRIGHT Run community is all that and so much more. Thanks to our community and supporters, BRIGHT Run can take great pride in many accomplishments over our 17 years. Let’s take a look at a few of these:
- Four new research projects were funded in 2024, bringing the total to 21 over our 17-year history.
These projects are in addition to the BRIGHT Run Learning Health System research chair at McMaster University, which was endowed in 2022, ensuring breast cancer research continues in perpetuity. Additionally, BRIGHT Run partnered with the Jesin-Neuberger Charitable Foundation in 2023 to establish the PYNK Program at JCC, a program specific to people under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer.
- As a 100% volunteer-powered event, BRIGHT Run engages the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of more than 200 volunteers each year, many of whom work year-round, to undertake the planning, organizing, and hosting of this incredible event.
- In 2024, more than 1,700 people registered and participated in BRIGHT Run, knowing that every dollar they raised went directly and entirely to support local breast cancer research being conducted at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University in Hamilton.
- Each year, more than 40 cash and in-kind Community Partners ensure that all BRIGHT Run operating and hosting costs are covered, not to mention the many providers who significantly discount their invoices.
- BRIGHT Run 2024 raised $592,000, bringing our 17-year achievement to more than $6 million!
I am very proud to be part of this BRIGHT Run community. I know that fundraising is hard work; so is dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. I also know that this group of passionate, dedicated, hardworking patients, survivors, medical practitioners, caregivers, and friends can do the seemingly impossible because that’s what we have done together for 17 years. Let’s do it again for 18, in the spirit of LIFE!
Nancy McMillan is BRIGHT Run’s Event Chair
