The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is set for next Saturday, Oct. 17, and student involvement is needed to reach the $50,000 fundraising goal.After years of planning, the Upper Cumberland area will finally host its first Race for the Cure-rain or shine. Held at the Hooper Eblen Center, the event will feature a celebration of survivors, live music and a chance for students to help area women receive the education, screening and treatments they need to fight cancer.
“Breast cancer touches everyone because one in eight women will be diagnosed with this disease,” said Eileen Stuber, event organizer and breast cancer survivor. “Unfortunately, this area has more late-stage diagnosis which makes the disease harder to fight.”
The Komen Upper Cumberland Affiliate, established in 2006, represents 14 rural counties of the Upper Cumberland region. The affiliate has participated in countless local health fairs and “Pink Sundays,” which involve area churches to help raise awareness, as well as providing speakers for dozens of speaking opportunities at community and civic organizations. Komen Upper Cumberland has funded more than $250,000 in grants to area non-profits to serve breast cancer education, screening and treatment for this area.
“We feel it is important to educate young people because they are the agent of change,” Stuber said.
Students can sign up for the 5k race individually, start a team or join a team that has already been registered. The Women’s Center is also organizing volunteers to help on-site during the event. While $23,000 has been raised toward the $50,000 goal, community participation is crucial to the success of the race.
According to a TTU press release written by marketing director Bobbie Maynard on Monday, race day events include a breast cancer survivor ceremony that starts at 7 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. Live entertainment and water stations will line the raceway. In addition, many national and local sponsors will have interactive booths with free giveaway items. All registered race participants will receive a t-shirt. Businesses, churches, families and other groups are encouraged to register as teams to compete, and a team t-shirt competition will be held on race day.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a global leader of breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion in research since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find cures.
