Facing advanced breast cancer, Danielle Périgny is committed to the CIBC Run for the Cure to support research progress and the people whose lives depend on it.
In January 2024, Danielle, then 46 years old, saw a doctor about hip pain that had not gone away after six months. The doctor suspected inflammation. But after a few attempts to relieve the pain, he ordered an imaging test.
In March, Danielle was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to the bones and liver. Danielle felt like she didn’t have much time left.
Fundraising for research
Through social media, Danielle met Roxanne Morin, who also has metastatic breast cancer. Roxanne participates in events organized by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to raise funds for cancer research.
Inspired by Roxanne’s experience and determination, Danielle decided to dedicate herself to the breast cancer cause.
She put together a team to participate in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, one of CCS’s signature fundraisers for breast cancer research. It brings together thousands of people across the country to support those affected by breast cancer and help fund research.
With the excitement of the event, Danielle felt even more motivated. A healthy rivalry developed between Roxanne’s team and Danielle’s, with each motivating the other. They were the top two performing teams at the CIBC Run for the Cure in Val d’Or, Quebec. Danielle’s team raised $16,000 and set the goal of doubling the amount the following year.
As an avid golfer, Danielle organized a benefit day in June 2025 called Golfer pour la vie (Golf for Life). The event was a success, raising nearly $32,000, which will be donated to the CIBC Run for the Cure in October 2025. The team already met their goal of doubling the fundraising total from last year.
“For the Run on October 5, I created a Facebook page, Le rose pour la vie, to spread news about the event and raise awareness about breast cancer,” Danielle says.
Because Danielle’s donations go directly to metastatic breast cancer research, her commitment to the cause feels more significant. She is deeply aware of the importance of research because without scientific advances, Danielle would not be alive today.
When you’re stage 4, the only thing that encourages you is research. My treatment didn’t exist 7 years ago. Research is what is keeping me alive.
Her involvement is not only a way to give back. It also brings hope for a future where people with advanced cancer can benefit from more effective treatments and a better quality of life.
Living life to the fullest
Since her diagnosis, Danielle has made the promise to enjoy life to the fullest. She travels with her friends and her 22 year old son, visits her daughter in Drummondville and enjoys activities that make her feel good, especially golf! Danielle also spends 1 day a month at the Havre d’Élisabeth Verrier Centre, a day care centre offering therapeutic services as part of palliative care.
For her, living a full life means enjoying every moment, seeking out experiences that make her happy, and choosing, to the extent possible, joy over fear.
Running to save lives
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Canada. For all these women, there is an urgent need to act and find solutions to better prevent, find and treat breast cancer.
Join your community on October 5 for the 34th CIBC Run for the Cure. The donations raised during the Run will be used to fund the most promising and life-saving breast cancer research projects.