Lung cancer is a very personal battle. Sadly I lost my father to this disease in December of 2009. Watching my father’s fight opened my eyes to the struggle that so many in Nova Scotia face each year. With this event, we come together as a community, resolving to do whatever we can to help those who are fighting an up-hill battle against an unforgiving opponent.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in Canada, taking more lives annually than any other form of cancer. Yet in a recent report by the Charity Intelligence Canada, lung cancer finds itself in a fundraising gap. The report highlighted lung cancer as a cause in desperate need of donor suport, and prioritized the areas of opportunity for funding support, emphasizing post-diagnostic care above all.
The Bedford 5k to Beat Lung Cancer sets small goals in the hope that our efforts may help achieve the greater goal of a cure. It’s a tall order, but my hope is that by shining a light on this dark disease, a cure may someday be discovered. In the mean time, awareness, compassion and a bit of hard work on the 5k trail will have to do.
I thank you all for helping to make this small milestone a success.
Sincerely,
Jean St-Amand, Director
Bedford 5k to Beat Lung Cancer