2009 Girls for the Cure Walk Raises Awareness and Funds for Women-Related Cancers
Many emotional and uplifting moments were shared amongst the students, teachers, and other participants at the top of the mountain. Ivana Mormina, a Villa Maria student described the experience, “We are surrounded by each other to tell everyone we’re in the fight too: courageous women who are confident enough to share their struggles and women whose presence you can feel, as opposed to just see. Women who are in the fight for their life side by side with those who have conquered it, and those who are supporting them in their battle… all of us assembled to help find a cure.”
Students from Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School (ECS), Queen of Angels Academy (QAA), Sacred Heart School of Montreal, The Study, Trafalgar School for Girls and Villa Maria walked five kilometres from participating school campuses to the top of Mount Royal (Chalet du Mont-Royal). They were greeted by radio and TV personalities, cancer patients, teachers, and representatives from St. Mary’s Hospital Center and Foundation.
The photos below capture the many uplifting and inspiring moments that filled this memorable day. The CTV News report and interview provide a wonderful overview of the incredible energy displayed by these enthusiastic girls.
Be Your Own Hero
Cheryl Irving, who was battling cancer at the time, gave a stirring testimonial as she thanked and encouraged these caring students in their continued efforts to “walk for the cure”. She spoke of being your own hero, by being true to oneself and being the best you can possibly be… something that she lived by day by day as she fought the cancer that eventually claimed her… Cheryl was an example of a true hero…
Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau joined the line-up of inspirational women as she empowered the girls on “Choosing your Heroes Wisely.” Fifteen year-old Tina Charamis read “A Girl’s Proclamation”, which she wrote in honour of the heroes she lost to cancer.
Photos from Girls for the Cure 2009
Mount Royal was a sea of pink as all the students gathered and celebrated their tireless efforts to collect pledges from family, friends and neighbours in the hopes of finding a cure. Scroll through our photo gallery to view the many unforgettable moments.
In the News
This inspiring event received extensive radio, TV and newspaper coverage.
Virgin Radio
CJAD
940 News
CHOM
CTV News report by Tara Schwartz
CTV interview with Mutsumi Takahashi
History of Girls for the Cure
Launched in 1995, Girls for the Cure brings together six girl’s schools in a joyous, moving and inspirational event that raises awareness and funds for women-related cancers. “The girls start this experience in grade seven as wide-eyed walkers and they end their journey as mature young women who have, over their five years, significantly contributed to a cause that they now fiercely hold dear to their hearts and see as part of their high school experience and identity,” explained Sandra Louis, Assistant Director of Student Services at Villa Maria.
To date, this successful initiative has raised over $2 million for patient care and services. Dr. Jaroslav Prchal, Chief of the Community Cancer Care Centre at St. Mary’s, is deeply moved by and applauds the efforts of these young ladies. “We treat many cancer patients here at St. Mary’s and we are noticing more and more of them are young people. Many of these high school students have unfortunately already had to face this disease through family or friends, some even personally. Their ambitious drive to raise money for St. Mary’s helps us constantly improve the care we can provide to our cancer patients,” explained Prchal.
Special Thanks
The 2009 Girls for the Cure Committee would like to thank the community and corporate supporters for their dedication and commitment.
