We race together!
Imagine a race where everyone was a winner, where those who finished last received just as much praise and glory as those who finished first. Imagine a world without breast cancer. More than 30,000 participants and volunteers gathered Sunday morning in Newport Beach, California to race towards a cure for breast cancer.
“This is my first year, but I want to keep coming back every year after this,” said Amber Randall, a resident of Cypress.
Started in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was a direct result of one woman’s dedication to her sister, who lost her battle to breast cancer. Nancy Goodman Brinker is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and has helped to raise more than $1.3 billion dollars. It was because of this sister’s determination to find a cure and provide breast health education, that Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the leading breast cancer charity in the world.
“I recently lost my grandmother to breast cancer, but by the sight of so many people here today, I remain hopeful that we will find a cure,” said Jordan Toyer, a 2009 race participant.
Men, women, children, and even some of the family dogs, gathered at the starting line at 7:35 a.m. to walk, or race, 5 kilometers, or 3.2 miles around Fashion Island. Those wearing pink t-shirts endured the turmoil that is associated with being diagnosed with breast cancer, they are the survivors, the women who inspire us all.
“Participating in the Orange County Susan G. Komen walk for the cure is a spiritual experience because you get to walk with your family and thousands of others with one purpose in mind,” said Angeline Smith, another 2009 race participant.
Pink signs were pinned to the backs of the participants, with names of those who have overcome their battle, and those who battle is now our life’s mission. We honor them through our efforts, we race to find their cure.
