Halifax cancer survivor raises over $250K for research over nearly 2 decades

Bernice Arsenault has walked annually in CIBC Run For The Cure since being diagnosed 20 years ago.

Over the past twenty years, cancer survivor Bernice Arsenault has made an incredible contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society through her fundraising efforts.

Arsenault found out through early detection that she had cancer 20 years ago.

“I was once devastated when I found out I had breast cancer and then I thought, well you know what … it’s not going to take me, I’m going to take it. So I picked up a gauntlet and I’m going to help raise money for breast cancer,” she said.

Arsenault has walked annually in the CIBC Run for the Cure  since being diagnosed. On Sunday morning, joined by many lifelong friends and family members in the historic Africville Park in Halifax, Arsenault set out to complete another five-km walk.

With palpable enthusiasm and energy, Arsenault led her supporters around the trails in the park, opting for a smaller run this year so those participating could properly socially distance.

Choosing this walking ground was nostalgic for Arsenault, who also grew up in Africville, a small seaside village that was predominantly Black Canadians. In the 1970s, due to urban development, residents were forced to leave their homes.

“Growing up in Africville, it was like freedom 55. I say that because everything was here. You had family and friends. You could go skating and fishing and everyone was a family.” she said.

Anna Thomas works for the Canadian Cancer Society and says she is inspired by the work that Arsenault puts forth over the years.