Thousands gathered together at the Pepsi Center on October 2nd for the Race for the Cure.
Starting and ending at the Pepsi Center, a sea of pink participants in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure either walked or ran in the fight against breast cancer on October 2, 2011.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure began with Susan Goodman Komen herself. At the age of 33, Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away at the age of 36. During her treatment, she wondered how she could make lives better for other women who were also battling breast cancer. Inspired by her sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker began the Race for the Cure. You can find more information about the history of Race for the Cure and Susan G. Komen and Nancy G. Brinker at The Race for the Cure website.
According to race officials, 61,591 people attended the race this year. 3,000 survivors and 1,160 teams arrived early in the morning to race. Survivors and supporters all gathered as one to battle against cancer. “I expected it to be a lot smaller, but it was really spread out and really big!” explained Sophomore Gerri Kutz, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. This was the first year Kutz attended the race. Throughout the race, there were entertainment booths that people could visit to receive different sorts of gifts and foods. Survivors were able to visit the “survivor tent” where they received a free shirt and a bag filled with goods.
Not only is the race a good opportunity to be with friends and family to support a great cause, but it is also a chance to share stories with people who have been through the same experiences. Remembering all of the people, Kutz says, “It’s also cool because you get to see people dress up in crazy costumes, supporting something they believe in.” In those crazy costumes, people walk with papers clipped to their back reading “in memory of” and “in celebration of.” It is a remembrance of the lives that are not with them, and the celebration of the lives they are still able to have.
Last year on race day, Kutz’s mother, Karen Buffalo, had just had surgery. “We were driving home from her surgery when we saw everyone in the highway. It was a really special moment,” Kutz recalls.
This year, the total amount of money raised for the signature event was almost three million dollars for the care and treatment of themselves and their loved ones. “It’s great to see the amount of money raised for the race,” said Kutz. 75% of the funds will stay in Denver, where it will become grants for services to detect breast cancer early and treat breast cancer. The other 25% will be sent to the National Komen Award and Research Program to fund international and national breast cancer research programs.
The Race for the Cure is a worldwide phenomenon. All over America, people are taking part in the fight against breast cancer. A few international countries participating include Israel, Italy, Germany, and Puerto Rico.
The Race for the Cure is both a touching and memorable experience. “It’s fun because so many people support other people. They all show up to support one large cause,” said Sophomore Celeste Henderson.
“It’s a great cause and it’s fun to do something bigger than yourself,” Kutz said with a smile.
