Welcome to the Nite of Hope
White Rock / South Surrey

Many of you may be familiar with my story. It is a story not unlike many women in our community. In the fall of 2001 I attended my first CIBC Run for the Cure with Lori, Ali and Jill who are three girlfriends. I recall being so impressed with many of the women in attendance that day. Many of them were survivors, with their families and friends and many of them were running in Memory of Grandmothers, Mothers, Aunts and other women they had lost. I remember how emotional but also impressed I was at their courage, strength and resolve to support the event. That day and the speech I heard that day will stay with me forever.

Virginia Greene was at the podium speaking to the crowd of 12,000 plus runners. I knew and admired Virginia so I was listening very closely to what she had to say on that beautiful fall day. The crowd was quiet as she spoke and her words still ring in my ears to this day. She said “before you return to run again next year you will be touched by Breast Cancer “You will know someone, have a family member or yourself be affected by this disease. 1 in 9 women are…..Those words became my reality 2 short months later when I was diagnosed through my yearly mammogram just days before Christmas. My doctor’s words were “ Debi you have Breast cancer. It is called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and is considered the best of the worst. On January 18th 2002 I had a left breast mastectomy.

In the months and years that followed I never forgot the strength and courage of the many women I saw at my initial Run for the Cure. Their dedication in rising to the challenges of the disease and their commitment to finding a cure for Breast Cancer stayed with me and helped me cope with my own situation.

I was fortunate to attend Nite of Hope Richmond several weeks after my surgery and when I was driving home that evening I knew it was an event we needed in our own Community. I contacted the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and asked if I could meet with the founder of Nite of Hope Judi Miller to ask if we could bring this fabulous event to White Rock / South Surrey. It had long been Judi’s dream to have Nite of Hope move to other communities. With her encouragement and the support of a great many friends including my Co-chair Lori Ishikawa, we are very proud to be presenting our 3rd annual Nite of Hope. Over the past two years and with the support of both the business community and citizens of White Rock / South Surrey area, Nite of Hope has raised over $125,000.00.

2008 sees us in a new venue with over 500 people in attendance and over 50 corporate sponsors. Never in our wildest dreams did we think the event would grow so quickly. Yet with the success of events like Nite of Hope, breast cancer continues to affect 1 in 9 women. Just this year, within my circle of friends and acquaintances 7 more women have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We are here tonight to celebrate these women and raise money and awareness for future Generations and the hope Breast Cancer will one day soon be a disease of the past. Early detection is the key to diagnosing and treating Breast Cancer in its very early stages. Mammograms save lives…. It saved mine. I have just celebrated 6 years cancer free and plan to celebrate for many years to come.

On behalf of the Nite of Hope White Rock / South Surrey committee, we thank you for taking part in the fight against Breast Cancer through your attendance and support. The fight will be won through individuals and communities coming together to make a difference.

Enjoy the evening.

Debi Rumley
Chair

Coast Capital Savings is honoured to be the Presenting sponsor of Nite of Hope.

Coast Capital Savings is Canada 's second largest credit union with 47 branches across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island . Coast Capital Savings was named by Imagine Canada for the second straight year as the best corporate citizen in Canada ’s financial services industry.

At Coast Capital Savings, we are committed to improving the lives of the people living in our local communities. Every year, we help the communities we live and work in with donations of money, time and resources.

In 2005, the credit union provided $3.8 million in funding to support local non profit and charitable organizations in many areas including health and wellness. We are involved with a number of wonderful initiatives that support the fight against cancer.

Coast Capital Savings is proud to partner with Nite of Hope – an event which helps to raise awareness of the devastating effects of breast cancer and provides support to women living with this disease.