To Commemorate 15 Years of Walking to Conquer Canc

TORONTO, March 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In commemoration of 15 years of walking, the Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer has announced new route distances for the 2017 event, offering participants the option to walk 15 km, 25 km or a marathon distance 40 km, in one day, for all cancers. In addition, event organizers announced Rexall as the returning title sponsor, supporting The Princess Margaret’s mission to conquer cancer in our lifetime.

“Every day, over 500 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer. With continued support from the OneWalk community, the generosity of our title sponsor Rexall and all our donors, our world-leading clinicians and researchers are able to continue to develop live-saving treatments to detect cancers earlier, diagnose with more precision, target treatment for each patient and support patients and their families throughout the cancer journey,” said Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

“This year, we are marking a milestone 15 years of walking to conquer cancer and we count on the community more than ever to get involved in this incredible event, which is offering participants new route distances to suit their fitness goals. A huge personal thank you to Rexall, which continues to help Canadians improve their overall health and wellness while also partnering with us to support cancer research and care. Through Rexall’s generous sponsorship, we are able to create a fantastic event experience from start to finish and direct dollars to our core programs,” added Alofs.

The Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer is Canada’s single largest standalone cancer walk fundraiser. Since 2003, thousands of participants have been walking for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and have raised over $162 million, to support Personalized Cancer Medicine at The Princess Margaret, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world. The Rexall OneWalk is a one-day journey through the streets of Toronto, with a start and finish line festival at the city’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square.

As the title sponsor since 2016, Rexall is vital in the overall success of OneWalk. Last year, Team Rexall was the biggest corporate fundraiser, with 159 passionate employees raising an incredible $161,532.

“Rexall is honoured to return as the title sponsor and to continue supporting The Princess Margaret’s mission of conquering cancer in our lifetime,” said Domenic Pilla, CEO McKesson Canada.

“Rexall is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care to every Canadian who visits our pharmacies, making this partnership with the world-leading clinicians and researchers at The Princess Margaret a very natural one,” Pilla added.

When a participant registers for the Rexall OneWalk, they can make it a very personal and powerful experience. Each participant can choose their preferred route distance and choose to designate their funds to the type of cancer research that matters most to them!

“Walking 40-kilometres in September is going to be no easy feat, but I’m eager to take on the physical challenge and am excited to learn new things about myself and others, like my friend and dedicated participant, who survived breast cancer,” said Sue Owen, a first-time Rexall OneWalk participant from Burlington.

“In 2015, my mother died of stage four stomach and liver cancers. She fell ill in August and by October, she was gone. I am passionate about continuing to improve education, research and treatment so we can save lives. It is my job is to be a leader and use the Rexall OneWalk as a platform for change. I want to show the community that we don’t have to sit still when tragedy happens,” Owen added.

For a limited time, participants can register for $25, half of the regular price, though the Rexall referral program. To register for the Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer visit www.onewalk.ca or call (416) 815-WALK (9255).

ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE – CLICK HERE ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION – CLICK HERE

MEDIA CONTACT: Leviana Coccia, Communications Manager, (416) 577-9255, lcoccia@causeforce.com