Full Breakdown
Record Participation and Funds Raised at 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Tradition Behind the West End Legends
Since the group’s formation after Stawychny’s death on race day in 2022, the West End Legends have gathered each first Sunday of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in hot-pink attire to commemorate her. The annual walk, now in its 35th iteration, has become a community fixture, with participants receiving pink carnations to mark personal connections to the disease.
Key Participants and Organizers
- Linda Opalko – 67-year-old fundraiser, member of the West End Legends.
- Ruth Bruinooge – Volunteer on the run-day experience team, cancer-free for five years.
- Raizza Bondoc – 30-year-old breast-cancer survivor who runs for herself, her mother and aunts.
- Darlene Sveinson – Retired physical-education teacher who led the warm-up and organized the Girls for the Cure program.
- Brenda Paterson – Long-time friend of Stawychny who traveled over 2,100 km to walk the 5-km course.
Local businesses such as Bloomex, Harvest Baker and Deli, and Coal and Canary supplied donations, including the pink bouquets presented to participants.
Official Statements & Responses
Volunteer Ruth Bruinooge said the event’s energy and weather exceeded expectations and emphasized that “research is saving lives,” a factor she credits for her own survival. Event organizers highlighted the unprecedented fundraising total, noting that the record amount reflects both heightened community engagement and the growing impact of breast-cancer research initiatives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything is exceeding expectations — the energy of the crowd, the weather,” — Ruth Bruinooge
- “I can give the gift of time, of energy and of enthusiasm,” — Sveninson
- “It’ll be a yearly thing — for as long as we can walk,” — Brenda Paterson