Walkers in the fifth annual WEBC event had a newly erected statue to recognize their fundraising efforts, at the entrance of Princess Margaret Hospital. On permanent display, the statue also acknowledges the many women and men who have bravely fought breast cancer.

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Commemorative Sculpture was unveiled on September 6, 2007, in front of the hospital in the presence of walkers, volunteers, breast cancer survivors, as well as friends and family of loved ones who fought but died from the disease. Princess Margaret Hospital staff, including those responsible for the event’s beginnings in Toronto, were also witnesses to the emotional event.

“We are forever grateful for the efforts of WEBC donors, volunteers and participants. Thank you to everyone involved in this memorable event. The funding raised by participants in the WEBC has generated revenues which could normally take decades to achieve,” said Dr. Tak Mak, Director of The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital. “Our work to find a cure has been propelled forward thanks to the community’s investment in this annual fundraising event. This sculpture stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to ending this disease.”

The sculpture is modeled on three women who have walked each year of the event since its inception: Paula Seigel, a breast cancer survivor; Gisele Branget, captain of the Princess Margaret Hospital WEBC team called “The Marilyns”; and Audrey Loeb, the woman responsible for introducing the event in Toronto.

Over the last four years, funds from the Weekend to End Breast Cancer have supported various initiatives including: the first ever Weekend to End Breast Cancer Chair in Breast Cancer Research held by Dr. Mak, the establishment of the first comprehensive Survivorship Clinic and Program in Canada, held by Dr. Pam Catton, the ongoing enhancement of clinical support, the redevelopment of the M. Lau Breast Centre, a comprehensive breast imaging program, the purchase of a Breast MRI, the Pathology Tumor Bank, research in to breast cancer prevention, and the rapid diagnosis clinic.