Susan G. Komen Central Valley Announces ’15 Faces for 15 Races’
FRESNO – Susan G. Komen Central Valley has announced its “15 Faces for 15 Races” for the 15th annual Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure, coming to Fresno State on Oct. 26.
The 15 individuals, who will be showcased at this year’s Race for the Cure, are some of the most recognized and influential people who have participated in the event through the years. Without their support, Susan G. Komen Central Valley would not be as effective in its local life-saving programs targeting breast cancer education, screening and treatment.
“It is an honor to recognize 15 passionate and dedicated individuals whose commitment to the cause through volunteerism, financial support and advocacy has had a significant impact on our local community,” said Sharon Johnson, executive director of Susan G. Komen Central Valley. “These 15 people have played a key role in closing the gap to educational, financial and cultural disparities locally.”
In order to simplify the fundraising process for this year’s Race for the Cure, Susan G. Komen Central Valley has introduced the “Power of 10” Challenge. If each race participant asked 10 of their families, friends and colleagues to sponsor them for just $10, they would raise $100 over the $25 registration fee, thereby contributing $125 to the cause. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the “Power of 10 Challenge” in order to make a difference.
Here is a list of the “15 Faces for 15 Races.”
- Carolyn Jorgensen – Breast cancer survivor and founder of the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure.
- Norm Jorgensen - Husband of Carolyn, was a passionate co-survivor and supporter of his wife and her efforts.
- Ken Takeuchi – Has been the Komen Central Valley Race director since its inception in 1999.
- Maggie Frazier – Race volunteer who passed from breast cancer in 2003. A beacon of tenacity and strength.
- Eric Frazier – Husband of Maggie. Remains a dedicated volunteer in Race Operations.
- Stefani Booroojian – KSEE24 anchor was instrumental in bringing the life-saving Buddy Check Program to the Central Valley. Race for the Cure emcee for many years.
- Sheriff Margaret Mims – Elected to take her breast cancer diagnosis public so that she could educate local residents about the importance of early detection.
- Lisa Thompson – Works part-time for Komen and volunteers as the Central Valley’s Race Teams Chair. Under her volunteer tenure, the number of teams expanded from 45 to 200.
- Harold Kelly- Shared his breast cancer experience with thousands so that men understand they can get breast cancer too.
- Jamie Ledezma – Was diagnosed at age 27 and has advocated for young women on a national level. She has served on the Komen affiliate, state and national public policy committees.
- Dr. Jason Bush – Is a breast cancer researcher and Assoc. Professor of Cancer Biology at Fresno State. He has been a Komen grant reviewer and member of the Community Profile team.
- Tina Durbano and Lisa Quiroz – Are sisters whose Race team was the Top Fundraising Team for the past four years raising over $40,000 to fund local education, screening and treatment.
Tina has been the Top Individual Fundraiser for two years and Lisa in the #3 and #2 spot. Lisa serves as the Interim President for the Komen Central Valley Board.
- Anna Tasier – Breast cancer survivor, placed #2 Race Top Individual Fundraiser in 2011 and #3 in 2012. Her team placed in the Top 10 Teams twice. Anna has also sponsored the golf event.
- Bren Flowers – Currently battling breast cancer. Took an advocacy role as she traveled to Sacramento twice to testify before the Assembly so that oral chemo would be affordable and accessible to all cancer patients.
To view full bios of the “15 Faces for 15 Races,” visit www.komencentralvalley.org.
To register for the 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, visit the following link http://centralvalley.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/FRE_CentralValleyAffiliate?fr_id=3468&pg=entry .