Hamilton, September 14, 2026
BRIGHT Run organizers, together with a team of 250 volunteers and 34 community partners, are thrilled to announce that they exceeded their event goal and raised $686,940 on September 12 at Christie Lake Conservation Area to support local breast cancer research.
Event chair and breast cancer survivor Nancy McMillan said, “Every person who shows up at the BRIGHT Run has their own reason for being there. But to one, they add their voice to the thousands of people (women and men) in this region who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and who want to make a difference. Thank you to the entire BRIGHT community and all our friends and supporters who contributed to this year’s outstanding success.”
“BRIGHT Run is an event like no other,” added 2026 survivor spokesperson Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn. She continued, “Participants have faced down breast cancer, survived, and then committed themselves to a future where this disease will no longer have the power to affect so many. They, along with their friends and families, are taking steps to change the trajectory of their own lives and tell a new story: of earlier detection, improved treatments, a better life, and ultimately a cure.”
This year, the BRIGHT Run funded six new breast cancer research projects for a total of $1.3m —the highest number of research grants in one year in the 19-year history of the BRIGHT Run.
To date, $6.6m has been raised by our community for our community to advance our understanding of breast cancer and improve treatment and quality of life for our survivors, and those we remember. Research at McMaster University and the Juravinski Cancer Centre is making a real impact here in our region and beyond.
Nancy McMillan said, “While the excitement of this year’s achievement is still fresh for the 130 teams and 2100 participants who took part, we will soon turn our sights to September 2027 to begin planning BRIGHT Run’s 20th anniversary: a special celebration of life, hope and the impact of breast cancer research. Visit www.brightrun.ca to find out more. Everyone is welcome to join us.”
Contact:
Nancy McMillan
BRIGHT Run event chair
