BONNYVILLE - Registration is open to participate in the 2025 Cancer Fun Run, a fundraiser for the Bonnyville Cancer Centre.
The 5 km run will start at Little Leap Splash Park on June 1, and organizer Kelly Haygarth says it’s a great event for all ages and skill levels. Run or walk, the event is about showing up to support those affected by cancer in the community.
“It’s about bringing people together to support each other. We’ve had people come and just walk part of it, and we’ve had people do it in a wheelchair before.”
Local group 86Cancer has volunteered to DJ the event, and there will be glitter tattoos, coffee, and a food vendor, giving the event an uplifting atmosphere.
“You can listen to some tunes and just be with other people that may have gone through similar experiences. You can do it in honour of someone you’ve lost, or support someone that’s going through it right now.”
Haygarth talked about how helpful the event can be for the grieving process of those affected by cancer, which is her inspiration behind volunteering to organize the event.
“I lost my brother 20 years ago, and I remember doing the Relay for Life event, and how much that helped me with the grieving process - just being around other people who could relate. That’s what got me wanting to do the [Cancer Fun Run].”
Haygarth commented on how heartwarming it is to see all the people who show up for the event. “It's that non-verbal communication that says, ‘We’ve got your back’.”
Participants also have an option to be recognized as a survivor.
“This year the colours are lime green and blue, so if they want to, they can wear a shirt that lets people know that they are a survivor. It’s very humbling to see.”
Haygarth spoke to how wonderful it is for the Bonnyville Cancer Clinic staff members to see patients and families that they’ve worked with in the past.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and we need more connection – we need to get off our phones and screens and be with each other. All you have to do is be there – you can support by just showing up.”
The event is hosted in partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and oncology nurses will be taking on volunteer roles for the event.
“This is the fourth event we’ve done. Last year we raised a little over $30,000, and in years prior we’d raised upwards of $20,000. That money goes right to our cancer clinic in Bonnyville.”
Haygarth encourages people to pre-register for the event, to secure their T-shirt and swag bag before they run out. Anyone is welcome to show up at the event and participate.
“There’s a lot of small-town pride . . . Every year it gets a little bigger, and it’s exciting to watch.”
