C95 hosts 17th annual radio marathon for breast cancer research

People across Saskatchewan are coming together in an effort to improve the lives of patients, survivors and families affected by breast cancer.

The 17th annual C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research will be live from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Pink Warrior stage at Lawson Heights Mall. 

The event encourages people to get involved and donate funds to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

“Every single year, it feels like we lose too many of these great and wonderful women,” said C95 morning show host Shauna Foster. 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Canadian women and its cause is unknown.

The radio marathon was created 17 years ago when Lisa Rendell, a former C95 morning show host, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer after a vertebra in her neck collapsed.

The cancer had spread beyond the breast to the vertebra in her neck and throughout her spine, ribs and liver. She was 35 years old.

That fall, C95 hit the airwaves to raise awareness and funds for a cure. Lisa Rendall lost her battle in April 2011 after living nearly 12 years with incurable breast cancer.

“This year we thought, let’s take it back to the roots and why we started this and it was because of Lisa,” Foster said, adding a special tribute will air Friday to Rendell and her family.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by the #RadioMarathon so far! 374-GIVE or https://t.co/1C9ecdeVrS to donate. #YXE #BreastCancerAwareness pic.twitter.com/joztiIBdvK

— C95 (@C95) October 21, 2016

While emotions are known to run high, Foster said Friday’s event will be even more difficult given the friendships that have formed over the years.

“Extra emotional this year because there’s been a couple of passings of survivors that we became close with,” she said.

Proceeds from C95’s Radio Marathon will help provide resources to Saskatchewan researchers to work toward finding a cure for those affected by this devastating disease.

Each year, individuals and groups fundraise to show their support.  Foster noted first thing Friday, the Warman Ultimate Cheerleading squad came out to Lawson Heights Mall in full princess costume to put temporary glitter tattoos on people for a donation. So far, the tattoo campaign has raised more than $2,000.

The Saskatoon fire department’s pink truck will also stop by the event at 1 p.m., with a special presentation set for 3 p.m. People can sign the truck with a $10 donation.

For those who can’t make it down to the mall, donations are also being accepted online.