Cheryl Kardish-Levitan Honored for Exemplary Dedication to Breast Cancer Research and Support

Ottawa, Canada – In a heartfelt ceremony that underscored years of unwavering commitment and profound personal resilience, Cheryl Kardish-Levitan, a distinguished broker at CLV Group in Ottawa, was recently bestowed with the prestigious Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/CIBC Community Commitment Award. Presented in Toronto, this significant accolade recognizes her extraordinary efforts in volunteering, participating, and spearheading fundraising initiatives that have collectively generated over $175,000 for The Run for the Cure, making a tangible difference in the fight against breast cancer across Canada.

This award is not merely a recognition of financial contributions but a testament to a deep-seated dedication fueled by personal experience. Kardish-Levitan’s journey is one that resonates deeply with countless individuals affected by breast cancer. Her tireless work in the community has not only raised vital funds but also fostered hope and inspired a network of supporters to join the cause.

A Journey Forged in Resilience: Overcoming Personal Adversity

Cheryl Kardish-Levitan’s advocacy stems from a deeply personal battle she faced 15 years ago. Having navigated her own journey with breast cancer, she emerged not just as a survivor but as a passionate champion for others. This experience transformed her perspective, igniting a powerful drive to give back and ensure that future generations might benefit from advancements in research and improved support systems.

Reflecting on this profound recognition, Kardish-Levitan expressed her sentiments: “I am very proud and humbled to have received this award and recognition and am grateful to be able to give back after going through my own journey with Breast Cancer 15 years ago.” Her words encapsulate the essence of true philanthropy – a desire to uplift others born from a place of genuine understanding and empathy. This humility, combined with an undeniable spirit of generosity, defines her approach to community involvement and fundraising.

The Genesis of a Movement: The CIBC Run for the Cure in 2000

The seeds of Cheryl’s extensive fundraising career were sown in a pivotal moment in 2000. It was then, while courageously undergoing treatment for breast cancer, that she first participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure. This initial involvement wasn’t just participation; it was a profound awakening to the collective power of community and the vital importance of funding for a worthy cause.

“In 2000 when I participated in my first CIBC Run for the Cure while I was undergoing treatment, I was inspired to raise funds for this worthy cause,” Kardish-Levitan recalls. This early experience solidified her resolve, transforming a personal health challenge into a lifelong mission to contribute to the eradication of breast cancer. Her involvement became an enduring commitment, illustrating how individual experiences can catalyze significant positive change within broader society. It also highlights the transformative power of events like the CIBC Run for the Cure, which provide a platform for solidarity and action.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/CIBC Community Commitment Award: Recognizing True Impact

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/CIBC Community Commitment Award is a distinguished honor reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and make substantial contributions to the breast cancer cause. It goes beyond mere participation, recognizing those who inspire, mobilize, and achieve significant financial and volunteer milestones. Presenting the award in Toronto, a major hub for national philanthropic efforts, further underscores its national significance and the breadth of Cheryl Kardish-Levitan’s impact.

This award symbolizes the powerful partnership between the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and CIBC, two entities deeply committed to advancing breast cancer research, education, and support programs. Recipients like Cheryl embody the spirit of this collaboration, translating strategic goals into tangible results on the ground. Her achievement of raising over $175,000 stands as a formidable example of how sustained individual effort, supported by a caring community, can lead to monumental success in charitable giving.

Building a Network of Generosity: Fundraising Through Community and Professional Ties

Achieving the remarkable feat of raising over $175,000 is no small undertaking; it requires immense dedication, strategic planning, and, most importantly, the ability to galvanize support from a wide array of individuals and organizations. Cheryl Kardish-Levitan masterfully leveraged her extensive network within the real estate sector and beyond, drawing in colleagues, clients, and community members to contribute to her cause.

Her professional standing as a respected broker at CLV Group in Ottawa undoubtedly played a role in her fundraising success. “Many Realtors, brokers, landlords and clients have supported me in my fundraising efforts over the years,” she notes, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins her achievements. This broad base of support underscores her ability to connect with people on both a professional and personal level, inspiring them to open their hearts and wallets for a cause that affects so many.

Cheryl’s fundraising tactics likely included a diverse range of activities: organizing charity events, hosting silent auctions, direct appeals to her network, and building highly motivated teams for The Run for the Cure. Each dollar raised represents not just a donation, but a shared belief in the possibility of a future free from breast cancer. Her consistent and persistent engagement over the years has built a legacy of giving that continues to grow, demonstrating the profound influence one dedicated individual can have on a community and a cause.

The Run for the Cure: A Beacon of Hope and Progress

The CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single-day event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research and support. It unites hundreds of thousands of Canadians every year in a powerful demonstration of solidarity. Funds raised directly support the Canadian Cancer Society (which now encompasses the former Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation), enabling groundbreaking research, prevention strategies, education initiatives, and vital support programs for those affected by breast cancer.

The impact of events like The Run for the Cure, bolstered by fundraisers like Cheryl Kardish-Levitan, is immense. It allows researchers to explore innovative treatments, improves early detection methods, and provides critical resources for patients and their families. Without the tireless efforts of volunteers and fundraisers, the progress made in understanding and treating breast cancer would be significantly hampered. Cheryl’s contribution of over $175,000 represents a substantial investment in this ongoing fight, translating directly into better outcomes and brighter futures for countless Canadians.

CLV Group: Fostering a Culture of Community Engagement

Cheryl Kardish-Levitan’s achievements also reflect positively on CLV Group, her employer. Organizations that support and encourage their employees’ philanthropic endeavors often cultivate a more engaged and socially responsible workforce. CLV Group’s association with Cheryl’s significant community contributions underscores its commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. This corporate ethos aligns seamlessly with Cheryl’s personal values, creating a synergistic relationship that amplifies their collective impact.

Companies that foster an environment where employees feel empowered to pursue charitable causes contribute not only to society but also to their own brand reputation and employee morale. Cheryl’s story is an inspiring example of how individual passion, when supported by a positive corporate culture, can achieve truly remarkable results that resonate far beyond the workplace.

An Enduring Legacy of Inspiration and Action

Cheryl Kardish-Levitan’s journey from a personal battle with breast cancer to a celebrated fundraising leader is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and profound generosity. Her receipt of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/CIBC Community Commitment Award is not an endpoint but rather a highlight in a continuing story of dedication.

Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that every individual has the power to make a difference, regardless of the scale of their initial contribution. She exemplifies the spirit of community action, encouraging more Realtors, brokers, landlords, clients, and ordinary citizens to step forward and contribute to vital causes.

As the fight against breast cancer continues, the need for funding, awareness, and support remains paramount. Individuals like Cheryl Kardish-Levitan are the driving force behind progress, reminding us that collective action, fueled by personal commitment, can indeed change the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire new generations of philanthropists and volunteers, ensuring that the hope for a future free from breast cancer burns brighter than ever.