Hundreds of Yukoners laced up their shoes on Mother's Day, May 11, for the annual Run for Mom event.
After a musical interlude during registration and a guided warm up held next to the SS Klondike in downtown Whitehorse runners and walkers took off south along the Millennium Trail before circling back to the start line through Riverdale.
According to the Run for Mom website, the fundraiser has been going on annually since 1997 with the goal of ensuring Yukoners can get the care and support they need here in the territory. Contributions to the health care projects Run for Mom supports were taken in person at the event, at Whitehorse General Hospital and by mail. In an associated fundraiser, Air North In Flight Kitchen has been selling a Run for Mom cheesecake at local stores with a portion of sales going to the same cause.
The website describes the projects funds raised have supported. It notes significant contributions to a breast tomosynthesis mammography machine installed at Whitehorse' hospital in 2020. It also describes assistance with the purchase of a past mammography machine that when coupled with a more comfortable exam room led to nearly twice as many women receiving mammograms.
"Together, we have improved access to breast health, enhanced comfort, provided peace-of-mind, offered more certainty and ensured Yukoners can receive the treatment they need," the website reads.
"This is why we Run for Mom and will continue to fundraise for breast health and awareness in the territory."
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com
