There is an event in September that Anne Cahill ’77 looks forward to every year.

It is the BRIGHT Run – a non-competitive walk/run event supporting breast cancer research for the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre and McMaster University. The annual fundraiser brings together over 1,000 participants and is run entirely by volunteers to ensure each dollar raised goes directly to researching diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for breast cancer. For over five years, Anne has fundraised and participated in the annual walk, and now volunteers her time as a member of the event sponsorship committee. The event is in its 15th year. 

“As a survivor, it gives you hope,” Anne says.  

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Anne turned to the Juravinski Centre for extensive treatment with support from family, friends, and other survivors. Grateful for this facility and the care she received, Anne recalls being struck by how many of the health care providers are educated and trained right here in Hamilton. “The students that Mohawk trains looked after me and other patients in the hospital.”  

Anne was first introduced to the BRIGHT Run by a friend and breast cancer survivor who dons a hat during the walk covered with names of people who share her diagnosis. She added Anne’s name to the hat. “I couldn’t walk that year because I had just had surgery, but the next year I started walking and have continued for five years,” Anne shares.  

Each year, she walks with her daughter and a group of friends, wearing a pink survivor shirt. “It is so incredible to see,” she says. “A sea of pink worn by so many people surging through the trails of the Dundas Conservation Area. Then we are greeted upon completion with hugs, high fives and medals by members of the medical teams that treated us! The emotional impact is unbelievable.”  

Inspired by the people she has met, Anne began participating in Knot a Breast, a local dragon boat team of over 50 breast cancer survivors.

Anne graduated with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Mohawk College in 1977 and worked as a pre-school teacher before completing a degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph. Through a volunteer position, she discovered the field of correctional services and went on to lead a successful 37-year career as a probation parole officer, trainer and then as a manager of training until she retired. She credits her education in ECE for providing a solid foundation for training officers and for her work with the Children’s Ministry on the new Youth Criminal Justice Act legislation.  

Having gone to college and built a family with a fellow Mohawk graduate in Hamilton, Anne feels forever connected to the community.  

When asked what she would say to other Mohawk graduates looking to get involved with a cause she shares, “We have an opportunity to give back. The people you meet and the support you get is priceless.” 

By Lynn Matisz ‘13