Susan G. Komen Central Valley Celebrates 15 Years of Race for the Cure on Saturday

Oct 22, 2013 No Comments by

FRESNO – Susan G. Komen Central Valley is inviting all local residents to limber up and participate in the 15th annual Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure, a fundraiser taking place at Fresno State this Saturday, Oct. 26 that allows Komen to continue its mission of battling breast cancer.

Thousands will gather at the Satellite Student Union on the Fresno State campus Saturday to show their support and to honor those who have lost their struggle against breast cancer, as well as those who have battled the disease and become a living symbol of courage.  In recognition of the race’s 15th anniversary, 15 of the most influential people from throughout its history will be honored during the festivities as the “15 Faces for 15 Races.”

 


“It’s an honor to recognize 15 passionate and dedicated individuals whose commitment to the cause through volunteerism, financial support and advocacy have had a significant impact on our local community,” said Sharon Johnson, executive director of Susan G. Komen Central Valley.

One of the 15 honorees is male breast cancer survivor Harold Kelly, who was diagnosed with the disease after finding two lumps in his breast while playing a game of Sudoku.  He became acquainted with Komen through Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, another breast cancer survivor.  Kelly has shared his breast cancer experience with thousands, including one man he reached by speaking to a crowd at halftime during a Fresno State basketball game.  The man was able detect breast cancer on himself at an early stage.

“I’m trying to help any way that I can to spread the word that men need to get checked, and I encourage the women,” Kelly said.

Another of the “15 Faces for 15 Races” is Dr. Jason Bush, an associate professor in the Biology Department at Fresno State who runs a cancer research lab.  Komen contacted him years ago to participate in a grants panel that gives out funds generated by endeavors such as the Race for the Cure.  Dr. Bush also sits on the Community Profile team.

“It’s a pleasure to be with Komen,” he said.  “I enjoy my interactions with Sharon, and look forward to continuing our relationship.”

The money raised from the race greatly assists Komen in its life-saving mission.  75 percent of the funds raised remain in our community and fund some of the following:  free mammograms, lymphedema treatments, financial assistance to breast cancer survivors, culturally diverse education programs, and diagnostic studies.  25 percent of the funds go toward breast cancer research.

The Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure features a men’s and women’s team 5K run, a co-ed 5K, a 2.2 mile walk, a 1 mile walk, and a Kids for the Cure event. The men’s 5K run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the women’s at 8 a.m. in front of the Satellite Student Union off of Barstow and Maple avenues. The Survivor Recognition Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., and Kids for the Cure at 11:30 a.m.

The Race for the Cure is this Saturday, Oct. 26.  Registration will be held at Macy’s department store in Fashion Fair Mall on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The cost of registration is $30 for adults and $15 for children, and race T-shirts will be handed out to race participants.  Online registration is available at www.komencentralvalley.org until 11:59 p.m. tonight, Tuesday the 22nd.  Individuals can register beginning 6:30 a.m. at the Fresno State Satellite Student Union on the day of the race at a cost of $35.

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