Join in the 20th Race for the Cure and Partner with Komen Denver

Join in the 20th Race for the Cure and Partner with Komen Denver to Help Bring Breast Cancer Support and Hope to Underserved Individuals Across Colorado

East Denver LIVING WELL Magazine

The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is excited to celebrate the 20th annual Race for the Cure with you! The 5k run/walk takes place at the Pepsi Center on Sun., Oct. 7, 2012 and is the perfect event for people young, old and all abilities–whether you are interested in a competitive race or a leisurely walk for a great cause. Event costs and timing include:

Timeline
• 7 a.m. 5k Inspiration Run (Competitive Racers followed by Walkers/Joggers)
• 8 a.m. 5k Celebration Walk (Walkers/Joggers)
• 9 a.m. Family 1-Mile Fun Walk

Costs
• Competitive Run (for racers of all ages): $40
• Adult Jogger/Walker: $35
• Youth Jogger/Walker: $25
• Seniors 65+: $25
• Children 10 and under: $15
• Doctors for the Cure: $100

To register and to get additional information, please visit KomenDenver.org/Race.

Last year’s race helped us fund 12,000 breast health and breast cancer services for individuals in Colorado through our network of grantees, all of which are organizations that share our vision of a world without breast cancer. Together we have impacted countless individuals within the Komen Denver 19-county service area in Colorado. The race helps to bring survivors, supporters and individuals in the community together for a greater purpose and has, more importantly, allowed the affiliate to continue to focus on supporting low income and uninsured individuals in the community and ensure that all individuals have access to quality breast health care.

The Race for the Cure was first hosted in Denver in 1993, and attracted 3,167 participants and raised $27,000 for the breast cancer programs. Just last year, the race drew 50,000+ racers and raised $3 million for breast health services for underserved Coloradoans. In the beginning, Komen Denver experienced challenges in finding organizations interested in Komen Denver funding. Today, the tables have turned. Even with millions of dollars of funding available, we currently receive more requests than we can fund. It is our hope to engage the Colorado community and help to make our 20th anniversary race in October our best race yet.

Komen Denver Executive Director Michele Ostrander recently spoke on the importance of the Race for the Cure in having an impact in our community. “We are proud of the partnerships and efforts that have made our impact across Colorado possible. Yet we have much to do. The funds raised from the race support our year-round efforts of saving lives in our community and we cannot do it without the support and participation of those in our community,” stresses Ostrander.

“Together with our community, we have made much progress over the past 20 years,” states Ostrander. Early stage breast cancer now has a 98% survival rate compared to about 74% in 1980. The Race for the Cure is the main annual event that has fueled our efforts and helped decrease breast cancer mortality rates by 39%, and made it possible for us to pay for breast cancer treatment and screening services for individuals across Colorado. To date we have provided 64,640 breast cancer-screening services in Colorado. Komen funding has detected 391 cases of breast cancer and has provided funding for 1,261 treatment services. Efforts have also funded countless treatment support services, including meals, transportation, mortgage payments and more for underserved individuals coping with breast cancer.

Since its inception, Komen Denver Affiliate has raised and distributed $11 million to fund breast cancer research through the Komen Award and Research Grant Program. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has funded $685 million in breast cancer research–more than any other breast cancer organization. Over the years, $8.2 million has been awarded for research grants in the State of Colorado. Currently, there are nine active research grants in the state of Colorado totaling $2,569,688

The affiliate serves 70% of Colorado’s population. Of this population, 17% are uninsured females between the ages of 18 to 64 years who do not have access to care.

For more information, call 303-744-2088 or visit komendenver.org.