Toronto (May 11, 2011) - On Sunday, May 15th over 800 participants will meet at Queen's Park and take to the streets raising money for The Princess Margaret in association with the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon. Unlike many traditional cancer walks, Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer is personal with participants opting to direct funds to one of over 35 different areas, providing the opportunity for patients or families to give back to research programs and projects that has meaning for each runner or walker.
In June 2010, Jerry Robinson was diagnosed with tongue cancer and his doctors recommended that he be treated at Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.
It was during the summer of 2010 when Jerry underwent nearly eight weeks of aggressive treatments at The Princess Margaret in Toronto, that left him and his wife Karen unable to travel back to their home in Mactier, near Georgian Bay. As a result, Jerry and Karen became guests of The Princess Margaret Hospital Lodge, a home away from home for people undergoing cancer treatments. The Lodge allowed Jerry and Karen a comfortable and safe place to stay, medical support and a chance for them to have some normalcy in their life during this very difficult time. The volunteers and staff who run the Lodge became their extended family and new community support system.
Sadly, Jerry lost his battle on Christmas Eve in 2010. Even so, his caring spirit of giving back and supporting those in need continues. To honour Jerry, his friends and family formed 'Team Jerry's Legacy' to participate in the Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer for the first time, directing all of their fundraising efforts to support the Lodge.
Generating over $8 million in donations since its inception in 2001, Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer has many events throughout the year, allowing people to support what matters most to them by participating in an event that fits their fitness level. More information about Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer upcoming events and all participating teams can be found at www.runorwalk.ca.
About Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer:
Taking place this Sunday, May 15th at Queen's Park, Run or Walk to Conquer Cancer will see over 800 participants run or walk a marathon, half marathon, relay, five kilometers or virtual event.
Agenda:
8:00am: Official Half Marathon starts
9:00am: Official Marathon starts
9:20am: Official Relay starts
10:00am: Official 5K starts
10:30am-1:00pm: Breakfast for 5K participants
About the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer research. More information about the Foundation can be found at
www.thepmcf.ca.
About Princess Margaret Hospital
Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, have achieved an international reputation as one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. Princess Margaret Hospital is a member of University Health Network, which also include Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. All three are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto.
