'It's about honouring and supporting survivors' (19 photos)

About 550 supporters and survivors took part in the 15th annual Sault Ste. Marie CIBC Run For The Cure at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion Sunday morning.

The annual 1km or 5km walk and/or run is part of a 22-year long national campaign to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and boost awareness of its education and health initiatives across Canada.

Among those participating locally were 10 online registered teams, including the Resuscitators (pictured), a dedicated group of Sault Area Hospital ICU nurses who raised $1,125 for the cause.

"A nurse from another medical floor is currently battling breast cancer," team member Karen Ross told SooToday.com. "Our team formed because of that."

Ross has also been touched personally by cancer, losing her father to the disease this past August and prior to that her step-father in 2010.

"Although it wasn't breast cancer, I chose to do this in their memory because I can't stand the thought of having to battle that or my daughter or son or sister. I think this is a cause that affects everybody."

Sherry Beaton, media coordinator for the local organizing committee, told us that the day's fundraising target was $106,000.

This would help the Sault event celebrate its anniversary by surpassing its 15-year cumulative goal of $1 million.

"But truthfully, the spirit of the day is what we want to convey," she explained. "It is about fundraising and promoting research, treatment and education initiatives, but the event is really about honouring and supporting the survivors."

As it turns out, the day was a tremendous success with $106,600 raised for a Sault Ste. Marie cumulative fundraising amount of $1,066,000.

This amount is likely to increase, however, as donations are accepted until October 31.

To make a donation and support the cause, please click here

Award winners

CIBC Corporate Spirit Award: Sault Area Hospital Angels of Hope - $1,040

Friends and Family Award: M.A.D.S. Mothers Aunts Daughters Sisters - $10,421 (The highest team fundraising amount in our 15-year history)

Women’s Team Challenge: 21 and Holding - $3,144

Post Secondary Challenge: Sault College Sole Mates - $1,170

Top Fundraiser: Carol Spadoni - $4,412