As some of you may know, last year I just completed my third incredibly rewarding year as Co-Chair of the Finance campaign for CIBC's marquee event, the CIBC Run for the Cure. I have passed on the torch but am just as passionate about supporting the Run and raising awareness whenever and wherever I can.

Almost all of us, unfortunately, have been directly or indirectly affected by all forms of cancer. Last fall, I ran into one of our Finance volunteers from the previous year who moved to another line of business. I commented on her new short hairstyle and she immediately told me she was diagnosed with breast cancer had just completed months of chemotherapy. I was shocked and it really struck home how real and prevalent this cancer is! My mother-in-law was diagnosed (for the SECOND time) with breast cancer five years ago. Incredibly, she made a complete recovery once again and is just an incredible tower of strength. One of my best friends was declared cancer-free recently after completing a full course of chemotherapy thousands of miles away from her young daughter and husband.

I have absolutely no doubt all three stories ended happily due to the incredible strides in treatments for current cancer patients and survivors who have beaten this disease. Please join me or support my run for the Cure in honour of my former colleague, mother-in-law, my dear friend, and so many women you may know who have fought this disease.

By making a donation, you are joining a national movement in communities across Canada on Sunday, October 4, and helping to fund innovative research and patient support initiatives that help the 1 in 9 women expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Please show your support by participating in any activity that gets your heart going on the morning of October 4. Since you know running is not my favourite activity :-), I plan to spend that morning hitting some balls on the tennis court. Together, we can promise to change the future of breast cancer.

Thank you!

Shelley