Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 10/01) - Small in number, but big in conviction.

That's the best way to describe the handful of participants who turned out for the 10th annual Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Run for the Cure in Rankin Inlet this past month.

This past year, close to 100,000 people in 29 communities nationwide raised more than $9 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The CIBC Run for the Cure is the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's largest annual fundraising event.

Since its inception in 1992, the annual run has allowed the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to provide more than $18 million in grants to support the advancement of breast cancer research, education, diagnosis and treatment.

The run has also allowed the foundation to increase public awareness of breast cancer and become the largest charitable organization in the country dedicated exclusively to the disease.

Maye Malliki took part in the Rankin run.

Malliki has known people affected by breast cancer and participates in the annual run to show her support for those fighting against the devastating disease.

"Cancer affects so many people, and I sincerely hope it helps those battling the disease to know there are people who really care about them and want to help," says Malliki.

"I'd like to see more people in our community get involved with the Run for the Cure to show their support for these courageous people."

Canadian North representative Randy Miller had a number of reasons for participating in the annual Run for the Cure event.

He says although his company being an event sponsor does play a role, he has more personal reasons for being involved.

"I know a couple of women who have been afflicted with breast cancer and I have a very close friend who just went through a mastectomy," says Robinson.

"Going out for the run is also a way for me to be active within my community, and it's really worthwhile to get out and help support charities like this that do so much good."