When Camille Rutherford was diagnosed with cancer, she felt an immediate swell of support.

The long-time member of Brock’s Faculty of Education was moved by messages from colleagues across the University, who provided new perspective during a life-changing moment in time.

“Finding out you have cancer is a traumatic experience in itself,” she said. “But before I even began treatment, several people from the Brock community reached out to me to share that they were cancer survivors. Knowing you’re not alone, that many people you work with have gone on this journey, provides the support needed to realize you will get through it.”

Now a cancer survivor herself, Rutherford has felt the impact of community first-hand and cannot wait to pay that feeling forward when Brock hosts the Rankin Cancer Run on Saturday, May 24.

Founded by Brock alumna Mary Ann Edwards (BPhEd ’76, BEd ’77), the Rankin Cancer Run will celebrate its 20th year by returning in person for the first time since 2019. This will be the first time the full event has been hosted on campus, marking a homecoming for Edwards.

“As a proud Brock graduate, it means the world to see the Rankin Cancer Run returning in person and being hosted at the University where my journey began,” said Edwards, who also serves as Race Director. “To now have thousands of participants coming together on Brock’s campus to support cancer care in Niagara is incredibly moving.”

Since its launch, the Rankin Cancer Run has raised and distributed more than $12.6 million to cancer care organizations across Niagara with 100 per cent of funds staying in the region.

For Rutherford, that impact is personal.

“The supports and services of the Walker Family Cancer Centre, which were instrumental to my recovery, directly benefit from the funds raised by the Rankin Cancer Run,” she said. “Participating in the run pays it forward. It supports cancer treatment, research and prevention, while also reminding us to take care of our own health.”

The event has shaped how Rutherford approaches her work as an educator. Following radiation treatment, she experienced cognitive fatigue and difficulties with tasks like writing and typing, challenges which sparked new empathy for her students.

“I’m now much more empathetic to the learning challenges many of our students face,” she said. “I build in time and accommodations, so students don’t feel overwhelmed.”

This year’s Rankin Run invites participants to join in person at Brock on May 24 or take part by organizing their own run on a date of their choice. The University, a lead sponsor in the event, will once again field a team, and all are encouraged to join.

To register and join the Brock team, visit the Rankin Cancer Run website, click ‘Ready to Register?’ then ‘Register Online.’ Scroll down to ‘Register as a Team Member’ and select ‘Brock University’ from the list. Input your information and follow the prompts to complete your registration. A confirmation email will follow, with more details closer to the event.

On run day, registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a kiddie sprint at 9:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 9:20 a.m. and the official start at 10 a.m. A free post-run barbecue, bananas, bottled water, free shuttle buses and parking will also be available.

In addition to running or walking, Brock community members are encouraged to volunteer at the event. Volunteers are needed May 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in roles such as greeters, wayfinders and more.

To sign up, visit ExperienceBU and RSVP. If you do not have a Brock login, please email Kristen Smith at [email protected] to express interest.

Rutherford encourages students, faculty, staff and community members to get involved.

“Good health is a privilege,” she said. “Being active and supporting the Rankin Run is a simple but powerful way to honour that privilege, support others and celebrate the strength of our community.”