This morning in his 8000 Words post, Roger commented on the unfortunate timing of Nuit Blanche and Word On The Street. I'll chime in and wish that both events hadn't been on the same weekend as the CIBC Run For The Cure. I had to skip Nuit Blanche to get up in the morning for the run, and only caught part of Word On The Street.

But I don't regret my decision. According to a press release from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the CIBC Run for the Cure raised $26.5 million yesterday!

Funds raised will help support a wide range of studies in the areas of prevention, diagnosis and improved treatment, as well as quality of life research that focuses on helping survivors return to as normal a life as possible.

One of my personal highlights: all the volunteers and supporters who stood by the side of the route, clapping and cheering, or holding up encouraging signs. Many others also donated their time, including several entertainment acts; if you were a volunteer or helped out in this event (or know of someone who deserves recognition), please do post in the comments section!

Everyone participates for their own reasons; I've lost several relatives to cancer, nearly lost some friends to breast cancer, and have friends who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. In the CIBC Run For The Cure, participants have the option of filling out a piece of paper which starts "I'm running for..." and pinning it to their shirts. Everywhere you looked, people were running for relatives, friends and co-workers.

One fellow wrote his own message on his t-shirt: "I'm walking for everyone who has cried."

You can find out more about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation at their Web site.

Meanwhile, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can attend NuitBlanche, Word On The Street, AND the CIBC Run For The Cure next year...