Run for the Cure draws thousands to Churchill Square

Standing among thousands of others on a chilly Sunday morning in Churchill Square, Monica MacKay recalls the conversation four years ago that led her here.

In March 2011, her doctor had just told her that she had breast cancer: a "complete shock" for the then-42-year-old, who didn't have any familyhistory of the disease.

"I said 'Okay. What do I need to do to beat this?'" MacKay said.

The answer was an lumpectomy to remove the tumour, years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as medication.

MacKay is now cancer-free. Her struggleis instantly familiar to the thousands of cancer survivors, as well as their loved ones, who took part in the 24th annual Run for the Cure in downtown Edmonton Sunday.

This year's event saw more than 7,000 participants and raised more than onemillion dollars for cancer research, according to organizers.

"Everyone seems to be running for someone," said Andre Poitras, a volunteer with the Breast Cancer Foundation.

"Someone who has lost their life to breast cancer, someone who is dealing with the pain."

Taking part in the run was part of what helped MacKay through her own ordeal. Her sister started a team, called the Pink Soldiers, months after the diagnosis four years ago.

MacKay was determined to be healthy enough to take part. Nine days after spending time in the hospital for pneumonia, she joined the run in 2011. And she's been at every one since.

"It's inspiring. It's uplifting," she said.

"It's amazing, just to know that you're not alone."

More than 50 other cities also hosted Run for the Cure events Sunday.