We don't normally attend media conferences - but yesterday was an exception as the local organizers of the 2008 Run for the Cure announced the plans for the 2008 event at Old Government House.

Fredericton Volunteer Run Director Barbara Thompson, herself a breast cancer survivor, says the Fredericton run has raised more than $2.1million in the past nine years with participation reaching more than2,500 last year: 110 teams and more than 200 volunteers.

And breast cancer rates are dropping. This year, the target is breast screen in New Brunswick aimed at women between 50 and 69 years of age.Early discovery and treatment mean surivival rates of 90 per cent atfive years post-treatment.

In our region, an estimated 1700 women developed breast cancer last year, and of those, 455 will die from the disease. In the Saint John River Valley, 1 in 8 women will be touched by breast cancer. That's higher than the national average: 1 in 9.

Local artist Sheila McPhee was on hand to donate her painting -Spirit - to the cause. And Tim Richardson, filling in for the Lt.Governor (prevented from traveling back from the Moncton area due to weather), gave an impassioned presentation about the importance of this event to the community, the province and to Old Government House as a symbol of the strength and unity of New Brunswickers.

Mark Sunday, October 5, 2008 on your calendar for this year's run at Old Government House in Fredericton. We'll be there.

Cheers,
George
justFRED.ca