Students from Montreal take part in a cancer fundraising walk organized by St. Mary's Girls for the Cure

On Thursday, more than 1,200 students from seven Montreal schools united for a meaningful cause: to raise funds for women-related cancer treatments and services at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre. This gathering was part of the 30th edition of St. Mary’s Girls for the Cure.

“We’re here to celebrate all of our efforts and fundraising because it’s truly such an important cause,” said Lauren Barakett, a student from Lower Canada College (LCC). She emphasized the significance of raising awareness and the collective spirit of fundraising among different schools.

Since its inception in 1994, the event has successfully raised over $3.8 million to support women battling cancer. Participants sought donations from family and friends and took part in a five-kilometer walk, which began at their school campuses and wove through Mount Royal, culminating at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium for a celebratory gathering.

The schools involved in this year’s event included Bialik High School, Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School (ECS), Lower Canada College (LCC), Sacred Heart School of Montreal, The Study, Trafalgar School for Girls, and Loyola.

For students like Sasha Dimock, the event held personal significance. “It’s important for me specifically because my grandmother actually passed away from breast cancer this summer,” she shared. “So it’s very fun to raise money and be here in her honor.”

Cynda Heward, president and CEO of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, highlighted the event’s educational aspect, noting, “It’s an opportunity for us to be in front of the girls in their school environment, exchanging testimonials about preventative measures and making decisions that help them live the healthiest lives.”

Heward also stressed the foundation's mission for the next century of care, stating that funds raised would ensure doctors and frontline staff have the resources needed to provide the best care for patients.

During the event, a poignant moment was observed as Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You” played, prompting a moment of silence for those affected by cancer. Dimock reflected on the positive outcomes that can emerge from difficult situations: “Although there are a lot of women suffering from cancer, there’s always celebrations like this where everyone comes together to have fun and commemorate everyone.”