Nine volunteers from across Canada share their messages of hope and inspiration ahead of this year's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - This year alone, some 25,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer but thanks to advances in earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment, more women of all ages are living longer after a breast cancer diagnosis. As the presenting sponsor of the Wall of Hope, CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) invites Canadians to visit any of its 1,100 branches across the country to help build a dedicated "Wall of Hope" filled with inspirational messages to those affected by breast cancer, ahead of the 2015 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 4.

For a suggested donation of $2, anyone can add an inspirational message or honour a loved one on the in-branch Wall of Hope. Those making donations of $5 or more will receive two Hope bracelets as a token of appreciation: One to wear and one to share with someone special. All proceeds support Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

"Over the nearly 20 years of CIBC's commitment to this cause, we've seen how the power of hope can make a difference to the women living with breast cancer and to their loved ones," says Christina Kramer, CIBC Executive Vice President, and its Executive Run Sponsor. "Hope brings more than 125,000 Canadians together each year for the CIBC Run for the Cure with the shared goal to create a future without this disease."

"CIBC invites everyone who has been touched by breast cancer to come out for this year's Run and visit one of our branches to share your stories and be inspired by the messages of others," adds Ms. Kramer. "For the one in nine women who develop breast cancer in her lifetime, your participation means everything."

CIBC encourages Canadians to register and fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure and share their photos and stories on social media using #CIBCRunfortheCure. In addition to supporting the Wall of Hope, presented by CIBC in branches, Canadians can also share messages on a digital Wall of Hope accessible on the CIBC Community website.

"Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is grateful to CIBC, their employees and clients across the country for their passion and commitment to our vision of a future without breast cancer," says Jane Parsons, Executive Director, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. "Funds raised through the CIBC Run for the Cure enable CBCF to continue to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, education and advocacy initiatives that support those affected by breast cancer and their loved ones."

The Wall of Hope decals and bracelets are limited in quantities and available at CIBC branches across the country while supplies last.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC and our employees are committed to the social and economic development of our communities, with a focus on Kids, Cures and Community. In 2014, CIBC supported over 420 communities across Canada, contributing more than $42 million to 1,780 charitable and non-profit initiatives, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure has been the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in support of creating a future without breast cancer. On October 4, 2015, this national movement will again connect participants and volunteers in over 60 communities across the country. For more information, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com.

About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community.

Attention Editors: The dedication to the breast cancer cause continues today with one in three CIBC employees participating or volunteering each year. The 15,000-member Team CIBC is led by nine Regional Run Champions across Canada passionate about creating a future without breast cancer:
 

• GTA - Zina Atkinson

"Seeing Survivors at different stages of dealing with the illness and seeing some familiar faces come back next year reinforces why I give my time to the cause," says Ms. Atkinson, whose cousin lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 44 and her mother-in-law and aunt are both breast cancer survivors.
 

• Eastern Ontario - Alison Phillips

"I have 5 children and this event has helped them understand the importance of getting involved to do something positive in the world," says Ms. Phillips. "I would love it if they could grow up in a world where breast cancer no longer exists."
 

• Quebec - Stephanie Geha

"I'm running for a dear colleague who was lost last year to breast cancer," says Ms. Geha. "It is remarkable to see how many people are touched by this cause. I think it goes without saying, but seeing all the survivors out there on Run Day really motivates me to find a cure and I'm proud to be part of this amazing day with Team CIBC"
 

• Alberta - Jennifer Munro

"I have a close friend who has gone through this journey in the last five years, as well as a CIBC colleague  who lost her life to this terrible disease," says Ms. Munro. "The strength of these women is an inspiration to me and drives me to do everything I can to help find a cure."
 

• Prairies - Linda Schulze

"Hearing all the stories of survivors who are here today is what inspires me," says Ms. Schulze, whose partner's mother is a breast cancer survivor. "If we can help save one life at a time, then we have made a difference."
 

• Southwestern Ontario - Jennilea Ramos

"My grandmother had breast cancer and just recently someone very close to me was diagnosed and is still trying to fight it ," says Ms. Ramos. "This is closer to my heart now more than ever!"
 

• GTA - Mina Shimkoff

"I've watched friends and colleagues battle this disease," says Ms. Shimkoff."It is their strength and the feeling of togetherness we all feel united in this cause that motivate me to do whatever I can to help make a difference."
 

• British Columbia -Jassy Braich

"It matters to me because, at any moment, breast cancer could be at my doorstep affecting my family and family is the foundation of my life," says Mr. Braich, who volunteers each year for his wife, daughter, mom and aunt.
 

• Atlantic Canada - Susan Diab

"I have great memories from being involved in the CIBC Run for the Cure," says Ms. Diab. "Seeing so many people united for a wonderful cause, communities coming together with a single focus and hearing survivors speak about their experience and how the Run has touched their lives. Events like the Run inspire us all to make a difference." 

SOURCE CIBC