Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Turns Downtown Fresno Pink

Fresno, Calif., September 17 – Thousands of Central Valley runners and walkers joined together today at Chukchansi Park and the streets of downtown Fresno for the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure®. The Central Valley Affiliate will award 75% of Race net proceeds to community programs and Affiliate initiatives that promote breast health education, screening and treatment locally. Twenty-five percent of the remaining proceeds will support breast cancer research.

“Our goal at Susan G. Komen® Central Valley is to empower women and men to take personal action to find a medical home so they can access breast cancer screening locally. Events that provide clinical breast exams, mammograms and health education all in the same day help ensure that local residents be diagnosed earlier so that breast cancer can be treated effectively,” said Sharon Johnson, executive director.

In addition to raising funds, participants celebrated with breast cancer survivors dressed in pink shirts, and honored those who have lost their battle with the disease. The event also included a US Track and Field certified 5-kilometer co-ed run and noncompetitive walk starting on Inyo Street and Fulton, ending in Chukchansi Park.

Bobbie Vaughn, breast cancer survivor and long-time Komen volunteer was named as 2016 Honorary Team New Balance Survivor. Since 2005, Vaughn has volunteered in many capacities including Race registration, Race InKind Committee, Education Committee and the Circle of Promise African American Initiative. She was chosen for her personal perseverance in the fight against breast cancer and for working with Komen Central Valley.

Through the grant award process, Susan G. Komen® Central Valley aids the community in various ways, including offering no-cost mammograms, financial assistance to breast cancer survivors, patient navigation and culturally diverse education programs, and diagnostic studies.

Sharon Johnson, Komen executive director states, “The generosity and support from the community enables us to provide local residents with care across the entire continuum: culturally competent outreach and education; diagnostic services and treatments; navigation through our complex medical system; temporary financial help for breast cancer survivors; research and more.”

For those who were unable to attend the Race, donations can be made by visiting www.komencentralvalley.org.