“This organization embodies the spirit of unity and compassion that continues to inspire volunteers year after year.”
Click here to sign up as a BRIGHT Run volunteer: https://brightrun.ca/volunteer/
Why/how did you originally get involved with the BRIGHT Run?
My involvement with the BRIGHT Run began through a chance conversation with event chair Nancy McMillan at a Team Canada hockey game a few years ago. My niece, Sarah Nurse, has been a spokesperson for the BRIGHT Run, and Nancy and I were both attending the game in Brampton to watch her play. That conversation opened the door to volunteering, and I have been grateful for the opportunity ever since.
Breast cancer is a cause that is deeply meaningful to me. Several members of my family have been diagnosed and treated, including my mother and two sisters. Choosing to volunteer with the BRIGHT Run was, therefore, an easy and heartfelt decision.
How would you describe your BRIGHT Run experience(s) to someone who is considering volunteering with us?
The BRIGHT Run community is made up of exceptional individuals who dedicate significant time and energy to raising awareness and supporting the vital research being conducted at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University. Being part of a group that is truly making a difference is both rewarding and gratifying.
Summarize BRIGHT Run volunteering in one word.
If I had to describe the BRIGHT Run in one word, it would be community. This organization embodies the spirit of unity and compassion that continues to inspire volunteers year after year.
What is your most memorable BRIGHT Run volunteer moment?
One of my most memorable volunteering experiences occurred during my first year at the Peach Festival. A middleaged gentleman approached me to thank me for my time with the BRIGHT Run and shared that he was a breast cancer survivor. His story moved me profoundly. While male breast cancer is less common, it is an important and often overlooked part of the broader conversation. I will never forget that moment.
What makes the BRIGHT Run volunteer experience special?
The BRIGHT Run is especially meaningful to me because 100 per cent of the funds raised stay within our local community. While larger cancer centres across Ontario also do important work, the BRIGHT Run ensures that local research and support continue to thrive. That sense of community impact is why I remain so proud to volunteer with this remarkable organization.
