Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure® Makes Downtown Fresno Home
FRESNO, CA – February 17, 2016 – Susan G. Komen® Central Valley will now be holding its 18th annual Race for the Cure in Downtown Fresno, beginning with the upcoming September 17 Race.
“We appreciate working with Fresno State with the Race in the past,” said Sharon Johnson, two-time breast cancer survivor and executive director of the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Affiliate. “Of course, we will continue to work with many departments at Fresno State, including the marketing and athletic departments.”
The move was announced at a press conference at Chukchansi Park Wednesday morning, attended by Komen Central Valley Affiliate Executive Director Sharon Johnson, Komen President Jazz Sidhu, Fresno City Council Member Oliver Baines, and Fresno Grizzlies General Manager Derek Franks. All of the speakers felt it is now more important than ever for the communities the Komen Central Valley Affiliate serves to back the organization in its continued mission to battle breast cancer. Of the 466 local women that are diagnosed each year, an alarming 36% of those are diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. With the Race transition to the downtown area, the Komen Central Valley will be able to save money on the Race budget, with more funds available to be spent on life-saving programs involving education for early breast cancer detection; payment for mammograms, and diagnostics; patient navigation; and financial assistance to breast cancer survivors.
“I’d like to thank the community for their past support and would like to emphasize how important the support is, as it is vital it is to save local lives,” said Jazz Sidhu, president of the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Affiliate.
With the Race being held in Downtown Fresno there will be more space for runners, which will give it room for growth. With community support, the 2016 Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure® could be the largest in its history, as well as the race with the most funds raised to date.
“The community needs access to breast health education and screening,” Johnson said. “It is crucial that we meet these needs. We believe that we can only make a difference with the help and support of our friends by participating and donating to the Race for the Cure September 17th.”
Fresno City Council Member Oliver Baines announced his support for the Race moving to Downtown Fresno.
“We know you go out of your way to keep the Race in Fresno,” Baines said of Susan G. Komen® Central Valley. “Thank you for all you do, not only in the Central Valley but for the rest of the country.”
It was also announced at the press conference today that Susan G. Komen® Central Valley will partner with the Fresno Grizzlies to present a Star Wars “Force for the Cure” Night at Chukchansi Park on June 11. On that day, Grizzlies players will wear themed pink jerseys, and the Grizzlies will be commemorating the event with a one-of-a-kind pink light saber offer.
The 2016 5K Race will be co-ed this year and will begin at 7:30 a.m. The Survivor’s Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m., and the Walk will be held at 10 a.m. The Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure® is an all-ages event. Race registration and donations will begin to be accepted online at www.komencentralvalley.org beginning April 1.
The Komen Central Valley Affiliate is part of the Affiliate network of Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting to end breast cancer forever. Through local events and activities like the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure® Seventy-five percent of net proceeds raised funds life-saving services locally. The remaining twenty-five percent funds Komen National Breast Cancer Research.
For more information on Susan G. Komen Central Valley, please visit www.komencentralvalley.org.
