Denver assembles in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to celebrate hope and strength.
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Race for the Cure, a 5K race for both runners and walkers, was held on October 3, 2010 in downtown Denver to remember the overwhelming amounts of strength and courage of those affected by breast cancer, and to raise money for research, treatment, and education in breast cancer.
The 5K race is a total of 3.2 miles long beginning near the Pepsi Center, running up Speer Boulevard, down Federal Boulevard, and across Colfax Avenue back to the Pepsi Center. This year over 50,000 participants turned out bright and early for the event. “I first participated in the Denver Race for the Cure in 1995 and have done the race ever since. There were a couple of years in college when I actually did the race in Portland, Oregon and then flew home a couple weeks later to do the Denver Race,” said TJ Teacher Eileen Adair, a true veteran of the race.
The total amount of money raised by the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the month of October 2010 alone – breast cancer awareness month – exceeds one million dollars. The money raised goes towards breast cancer education, treatment, and research. It provides funding for 7,383 screening services, 192 treatment services (such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), the education of 27,944 people on breast cancer and breast health, and for 410 rides for patients for treatment-related services. “I think it’s incredible that 75% of the money raised in Denver stays in Denver. It’s wonderful to think that everyone participating in the race is truly giving back to their community,” said Adair.
A number of faculty members and students here at TJ have traditions participating in the event. “I started participating in the race in 2001 with my family because my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Melissa Acker walked in the race with my family and me. This was the first year I have done the race with a friend. It was nice to have lots of good company to walk and talk with,” said Sophomore Sadye Hazan.
One of the factors that adds to the significance of the race is the common experiences the participants share. For many, the event is an emotional experience full of remembrance and great hope for the future. The race proves there is power in numbers; the optimistic energy is tangible. “My favorite part is experiencing the balance between laughter and tears. For many of us it is an emotional day, but there is so much positive energy and hope surrounding us that we can’t remain sad for too long. It’s hard to believe that so many people have been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer,” said Adair.
Participants in the event all have their own story to tell and they race for their own reasons. Some walk or run for a person they know who is coping with or has overcome breast cancer. Others race in memory of a person who has passed away. Many survivors of breast cancer also race in celebration of their health and prevailing over the journey through the disease. All of these reasons are written by participants on pink tags placed on their backs that say, “I race in memory of,” and “I race in celebration of,” to make a sea of pink and remind everyone that their stories are heard. “Race day is important to me because it is now a way that I can honor and remember my mom, who passed away three years ago. I have many poignant and funny memories of doing the race with my mom over the years, so it’s one way I can continue to keep her spirit alive,” says Adair.
Such a large gathering of positive energy and determination is tremendous. Those who attended the race say they could feel the spirit, strength, and hope in the air. “I am consistently overwhelmed at the outpouring of energy and support for the cause. It is humbling to see people of all walks of life come together for such an important event,” said Adair.
Race for the Cure is a great way for anyone to support the community, have a fun time, and donate to a fantastic cause. The Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to saving lives, empowering individuals, and helping to provide care for those affected by breast cancer. “The race is a super cool event everyone should participate in. You are helping to find a cure for breast cancer and having a great experience at the same time,” said Hazan.
The Race for the Cure here in Denver is one of the largest in the world, raising significant amounts of money toward research, treatment, and education in breast cancer. There are various ways to get involved in the cause. “Whether you join the thousands downtown for the race, volunteer for the event, or Sleep In for the Cure, you are doing your part to honor patients and raise money toward important research. I highly recommend getting involved,” said Adair.
