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It was a record-setting day for one of Saskatoon’s prominent fundraising events — and supporters hope it will lead to even more life-saving or life-extending research.
The 25th annual C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research raised $516,321 for the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan during Thursday’s 12-hour live broadcast.
The total is the highest amount the radiothon has raised since it began.
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Over the years, the event has raised more than $6.9 million for breast cancer research, with all proceeds staying in Saskatchewan. The previous record for the radiothon was set last year, with $425,937.
“If it wasn’t for research, I wouldn’t be on immunotherapy, and that’s what’s going to keep me alive long enough to see my kids grow up,” Tara Wilberg said on Thursday.
Wilberg was diagnosed earlier this year at the age of 32. She underwent chemotherapy and then a double mastectomy, and is currently in treatment.
“Hopefully my daughter doesn’t ever go through this, and I hope that research can find a cure,” she said.
The radio marathon was started in 2000, after popular C95 host Lisa Rendall was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. In a show of support for Rendall and others facing similar challenges, the radio marathon was created and proceeds were dedicated to research at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
Rendall received treatments for more than a decade before dying on April 13, 2011 at the age of 46.
Nora Yeates, CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, noted on Thursday the ongoing support from C95 and also “the incredible donors who made this year’s radio marathon such an amazing success.”
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The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan is the fundraising partner of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Every dollar raised by the foundation stays in the province to support patient treatment and care, research, and early detection and prevention programs.
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