Our Founder and CEO, Junice Savares, recently joined The Exchange Run, a community 5K and 10K event hosted by The Social Exchange in support of breast cancer awareness and CancerCare Manitoba.
The event welcomed everyone, from experienced runners chasing a personal best to those simply wanting to move for a cause that matters. A portion of the event proceeds was donated to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, helping support cancer care and individuals and families affected by cancer across Manitoba.
The morning began with a group warm-up, plenty of encouragement, and a great mix of personalities. Participants cheered each other on throughout the run, while prizes provided by Popeye’s Supplements added to the energy of the day.
But during Junice’s final lap, the event took on a much more personal meaning.
During Junice's final lap, she learned that the mother of an old family friend had passed away from cancer.
Junice shared:
“I didn’t realize a forgotten childhood memory could come back that clearly until that moment. I remembered how I would rather sit and draw than play with the other children, so she would bring me paper and a pencil, give me snacks, and keep me company while I drew.
It seemed like such a small gesture at the time, but looking back, it meant so much more. I finished that final lap with a heavy heart, thinking about her and her family, the lives we’ve lost to cancer, those still fighting, and the families going through it with them. It reminded me exactly why we were there.”
Those final steps became a quiet tribute to her memory and to everyone whose life has been touched by cancer.
Events like The Exchange Run give people a way to come together for reasons that can be deeply personal.
For some, it may be about supporting someone facing cancer. For others, it may be about remembering someone they have lost. Sometimes, simply showing up is a way of standing alongside those who are affected.
A sincere thank you to The Social Exchange and Street Run Club for bringing people together for the event, as well as to the organizers, volunteers, participants, sponsors, and everyone who helped make the day possible.
For anyone who would like to learn more or contribute directly, we encourage you to visit CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and learn more about the work they do for Manitobans affected by cancer.
