Walk With Us: Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer

Sometimes making a difference really can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

On Sunday, September 20, our community will come together at Zwick’s Park for the Belleville edition of Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer, part of a nationwide event bringing Canadians together to raise awareness, support patients and families, and help fund bladder cancer research. Now in its 16th year, walks will take place in communities across the country throughout the weekend of September 19 and 20.

Last year, Alejandro and I joined the Belleville and Prince Edward County walks for the first time, and we’ll be lacing up our shoes again this September. We’d love to see some of our North Belleville Living neighbours there with us.

It’s a cause that deserves greater attention — particularly because early detection can make such an extraordinary difference. An estimated 13,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2026. Overall, the five-year net survival rate in Canada is 78%, but when bladder cancer is caught while it is still confined to the inner lining of the bladder, the five-year relative survival rate is approximately 95%. Outcomes decline considerably as the disease advances, making awareness, early diagnosis and ongoing management especially important.

That’s what makes events like Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer about so much more than a morning in the park. They get people talking about a cancer they might otherwise know very little about, build awareness of the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention, and help support the research and programs serving people affected by the disease.

Greater awareness can lead to earlier conversations, earlier detection and, ultimately, better outcomes.

The Belleville walk begins at the Tom Gavey Pavilion at Zwick’s Park, where everyone meets before heading out together. And one of the things we especially appreciate about the event is just how accessible it is. This isn’t a race. There’s no pressure to keep anyone else’s pace. Walk quickly, stroll and chat with the people around you, or take one of the shorter cut-through options along the route if that works better for you. The point is simply to show up and participate. Last year we strolled at a casual pace while making new friends and getting to know our neighbours - that's what its all about!

While cancer is a difficult subject, the walk itself is an uplifting morning built around community, encouragement and hope;showing up for those navigating bladder cancer today, remembering those we’ve lost, and standing alongside the families, friends and caregivers affected by it.

So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a September morning, come walk with us. Bring your partner, your family, a friend or simply yourself. You don’t need to be an athlete, and you certainly don’t need to break any speed records. Just bring a pair of comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk for something bigger than yourself.

Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer – Belleville

Sunday, September 20

Zwick’s Park – Tom Gavey Pavilion

To register, support the walk or learn more, visit the Belleville Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer page through Bladder Cancer Canada.

We’ll see you at the starting line!