A Run to Remember

4 October 2011Sarah M

There’s no greater feeling than being able to witness one’s idea blossom into an action that can generate interest in so many others. Yesterday evening, after pushing through an intense day, Mrs. Felix and I experienced that feeling first hand.

Any student who had partaken in Pink Day, donated money in-house, or had awoken early Sunday morning, would know that yesterday morning was the Run for the Cure, a nation-wide event with the goal of raising funds to research and eradicate breast cancer. A record of 174 students and staff members boarded buses from Crooks Hall, which drove them to the University of Victoria, where they were greeted by a large crowd of people each wearing a white shirt asking “Who are you running for?”

Participants gathered around the stage, where inspirational stories of survival were shared with the crowd, and an intense jazzercise workout was enjoyed by all. The Brentwood College ‘Cure’ators (our team name for the special day) lined up under an arch of pink and white balloons that swayed in the light breeze, and took off as the clock started. Many of Brentwood’s own ran the five kilometer route, leading thousands of people in a march of courage, crossing the line in admirable times, while others strolled along enjoying the company of friends and loved ones.

Awaiting each participant’s return, whether they walked or ran, were tables adorned with a much anticipated breakfast, which was munched on as awards were presented to the team which fundraised the most, the individual who raised the most, and wait for it … to Brentwood, the school which fundraised the most. And, with a total of over $13,000, the ‘Cure’ators took home the prize, just as we have for the past four years.

But this year, after returning to the school, having a quick shower followed by a short cat nap, Brentwood’s team did something a little different. We celebrated the first, and hopefully annual, school wide Run for the Cure banquet, a treat earned by surpassing the fundraising goal of $10,000.

Participants entered a very different Crooks Hall than the one they had left that morning: students were guided through to two long buffet tables decorated with pink balloons, where food was ready for the masses, and a treat of steak and prawns was being served by volunteers in their Run for the Cure shirts. Themed desserts topped with the colour of the day, pink, were a favourite among the diners, and a slideshow featuring pictures of the day played while students enjoyed the meal.

It was while we were eating that magnificent meal that Mrs. Felix and I were overwhelmed by that recognizable feeling of accomplishment. Watching the plans we had begun to brainstorm during the summer become reality before our eyes was an amazing experience, and I don’t think I could have picked a better cause to work for, nor a better goal to strive to achieve. Congratulations Brentwood students, and thank you for all your hard work. You made this an incredible journey: one that I will never forget, and hopefully one that you will carry on for years to come.

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