Runners have fundraised over $14.75 million since 1996 through the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s RUN4HOPE program
Over $150,000 has already been raised by RUN4HOPE charity runners at the BMO Vancouver Marathon this year. The RUN4HOPE program is now totaling over $14.75 million dollars raised since 1996.
RUN4HOPE is raising funds for over 20 local, national, and international charities including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, BC & Yukon, Down Syndrome Research Foundation, and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
“Thank you to all who have donated so generously,” says Graeme White, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the event organizer. “Vancouver’s only Marathon event is really a celebration of community, and we see so many inspirational stories on why people are choosing to run for more than just themselves on May 7.”
Kathleen Cabahug is one example, raising over $1,700 for the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, an organization that provides treatment for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Kathleen is dedicating her run to her brother-in-law, Kristian Domingo, who was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer days after his high school graduation. Despite the cancer diagnoses, Kristian did not lose hope and continued his studies at UBC, playing recreational sports, and even completing the Vancouver Sun Run.
A few weeks after his twentieth birthday, Kathleen’s family then received the devastating news that Kristian’s cancer had spread to his lungs. They spent the final few weeks of his life with him at the Canuck Place Hospice Centre, where he passed last year.
“I dedicate this run on behalf of Kristian,” shares Kathleen. “He was an individual who exuded strength and confidence, yet always remained humble. Whenever I feel defeated and scared, I remember how Kristian felt when he found out about his cancer and how he handled it. As a result, my newfound outlook on life is that if it scares you, run towards it.”
Many more inspirational stories are shared through the RUN4HOPE charity program which aims to raise funds for social impact and community good. RUN4HOPE charity runners also receive 35% off entry into the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM and Relay.
If you’d like to run for a cause, or donate to one of the over 20 charities part of the RUN4HOPE charity program, please visit bmovanmarathon.ca/run4hope.
For more on Kathleen’s story, visit here.
RUN4HOPE. Photo: Maylies Lang / RUNVAN®