‘In 2025, the Rankin Cancer Run contributed more than $480,000 to Niagara Health Foundation and has raised an incredible $8,691,680 since 2006.’
News from the Niagara Health Foundation, a body dedicated to raising funds to support health care for the more than 500,000 residents of the Niagara region
Posted February 9th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario — The Niagara Health Foundation is proud to recognize and thank the Rankin Cancer Run and its amazing volunteers for its continued and extraordinary commitment to supporting cancer patients across the Niagara region.
In 2025, the Rankin Cancer Run contributed more than $480,000 to Niagara Health Foundation and has raised an incredible $8,691,680 since 2006, playing a vital role in advancing cancer care for patients receiving treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and across all five Niagara Health sites.
The Foundation is honoured to be one of many benefactors of this long-standing community event, alongside other local charities and cancer support resources that collectively strengthen cancer care throughout Niagara.
Since its founding in 2006, the Rankin Cancer Run has remained a fully volunteer-led initiative rooted in a simple but powerful promise of funds raised would stay in Niagara to support those facing cancer close to home.
“The Rankin Cancer Run represents the very best of community spirit,” said Andrea Scott, President & CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation. “On behalf of our Foundation, I want to sincerely thank the volunteers, the thousands of community members who participate each year, and especially Volunteer Run Director Mary Ann Edwards.
“Their compassion, dedication, and belief in local care continue to make a meaningful difference for cancer patients and their families across Niagara.”
Scott also extended heartfelt congratulations to Edwards, who was recently awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
“Mary Ann’s receipt of the Order of Canada is incredibly well-deserved,” said Scott. “Her leadership,
advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving cancer care in Niagara have touched and saved countless lives and supported so many families through some of their toughest battles. We congratulate her on this national recognition and thank her for everything she continues to do for our community.”
Support from the Rankin Cancer Run has played an important role in advancing care delivered through the Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC), Niagara’s regional cancer treatment facility.
The WFCC provides comprehensive outpatient cancer services, including chemotherapy, systemic therapy, supportive care, and patient education, allowing thousands of Niagara residents each year to receive treatment close to home rather than travelling outside the region. In 2025, the WFCC provided care for over 11,000 patients, over 15,000 chemotherapy treatment visits and over 19,000 radiation treatment visits.
The evolution of cancer care in Niagara reflects exactly what the Rankin Cancer Run set out to achieve nearly two decades ago. Volunteer Run Director Mary Ann Edwards reflected on that journey and the purpose behind the event:
“Our Rankin Cancer Run was born to help our own, with the funds raised each year, never ever leaving our Niagara Region. Our needs here are absolutely immense, and we will continue to do all that we possibly can, to help.
Our goal from our beginning was to improve cancer care in Niagara, and help reduce the travelling for those battling, and who were feeling too poorly to be on the highways for treatments.
I remember so vividly cancer care in Niagara in 2006, the first year of the run, and our cancer centre did not even exist. Look at how absolutely incredible our cancer centre here is now in our own Niagara. It will only get better if we can continue to pull together, and raise funds that remain here at home, and never leave our Region.”
The Foundation also wants to recognize the remarkable legacy and leadership of Tom Rankin and Rankin Construction, whose vision, generosity, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental to the success and longevity of the Rankin Cancer Run. Through significant financial support, operational resources, and hands-on commitment, the Rankin Family and Rankin Construction has helped ensure the Run continues to grow and evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its mission to support cancer care in Niagara.
Tom Rankin’s passion for strengthening local healthcare and supporting families facing cancer has helped shape the event into one of Niagara’s most impactful community fundraising initiatives. The continued involvement of Rankin Construction reflects a powerful example of corporate and community partnership, demonstrating how local leadership can drive meaningful and lasting change for patients across the region.
The Niagara Health Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Rankin Cancer Run’s volunteers, participants, sponsors, and supporters whose ongoing efforts continue to strengthen cancer care across Niagara for ensuring patients can focus on healing, supported by their community.
About Niagara Health Foundation – Niagara Health Foundation raises funds to support exceptional health care for the more than 500,000 residents of the Niagara region. Through the generosity of donors, community partners, and volunteers, the Foundation invests in vital equipment, enhanced patient programs, and innovative initiatives across all five Niagara Health sites, including the Walker Family Cancer Centre. Together, we are improving care today while building a stronger, healthier Niagara for tomorrow.
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