She thought she’d never make it much beyond 1962, yet Myrtle Adam not only survived breast cancer, she’s enjoyed good health into her 80s.

“I’m a 48-year survivor,” Adam said proudly Tuesday in the lobby of the Paramount Theatre Downtown. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m Kamloops longest survivor.”

Adam joined fellow volunteers Amy Berard and Brenda Campbell in raising a flag for Monday’s CIBC Run for the Cure kickoff and fundraising event at the theatre, 503 Victoria St.

The main event takes place Oct. 3, but organizers get a head start before summer distractions arrive. They have a clever drawing card with a screening of the musical Mamma Mia! complete with a group singalong, to get the fundraising ball rolling.

“We want to see good numbers out,” Berard explained. “It’s kind of a chick flick with Mamma Mia!”

The kickoff begins at 5:30 p.m., a survivor celebration at 6 p.m. and Wheels of Hope launch at 6:15, followed by the movie presentation.

Run for the Cure has grown to be the largest volunteer-led fundraising event in Canada over its past 18 years. Last year, 1,800 participants raised $260,000 towards breast cancer research. Organizers are hoping to meet or exceed that this year.

The event has also succeeded in raising the profile of one of the most common forms of cancer. Campbell got involved two years ago as a snowbird in Mexico. She and fellow residents of an RV park near Puerto Vallarta (where, by coincidence, she has met four other women from Kamloops) make a practice of helping Mexicans cope with breast cancer.

“We have a clinic where we bring bras and prostheses down for women who’ve had breast cancer,” she said. “And we give them as much support as we can. It’s a really amazing project.”

Adam, 83, participates in the walk/run event every year and used to go five kilometres. That, too, is amazing considering how she felt back in ’62.

“It is, because at the time I didn’t think I’d be able to raise my children. I really thought that was the end of my road.”

Tickets for Monday’s event are available in advance for $5 at Aberdeen Mall and all CIBC locations. They can be purchase for $10 at the door or come free with proof of run registration. More information or to reserve tickets: jedwards@cbcfrun.org or 374-2882.