Early Registration Opens for Event to Raise Funds for Services and Research
The Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure® will connect breast cancer advocates and survivors in support of the Komen mission to save lives. Hosted by the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, early registration is now open for the 2012 event scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Early registration is $30, increasing to $35 after June 30, and includes a Race for the Cure T-shirt and bib.
“So many individuals and families are affected by breast cancer,” said Marie Cammack, the 2012 Race for the Cure chair. “The Race aims to create a union among all under one common goal – saving lives from breast cancer. We encourage people to register early, start a team and fundraise now to fully participate in the Race for the Cure campaign this summer.”
The Race is an event that can include everyone in the community and will offer an additional, earlier start time this year for those who wish to run the 5K. Running enthusiasts can begin at 7:15 a.m., when they can “race faster” for the cure. Others can run/walk at 7:30 a.m. or 9:45 a.m., or participate in a 1-mile fun walk at 8 a.m., especially ideal for children.
Since its inception, the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure has grown to become Southern California’s largest and most anticipated fundraising event supporting local breast health education and awareness programs, medical services for low-income women and breast cancer research. Last year’s Race raised $2.9 million.
“Each year, the Race for the Cure makes a significant impact to educate and inspire the Orange County community in the fight to end breast cancer forever,” said Lisa Wolter, executive director of the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “We are proud to be at the forefront in improving treatments and increasing breast cancer survivorship. The Race for the Cure is not only an important program to support vital and needed services, but also a beautiful way to honor all those affected by breast cancer.”
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Oftentimes, the biggest barrier to receiving health care is lack of resources. Seventy-five percent of funds raised from the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure help support local breast health outreach, screening coordination, mammography for women in need and treatment services to underserved women in the community. The remaining 25 percent will go directly into the Komen Global Research Fund to energize science to find the cure.
In addition to the walking/running portion, the Race will also celebrate local survivors. During the Breast Cancer Survivor Parade at 8:45 a.m., survivors will come together in a moving promenade around the grounds, encouraging hope for others. Adorning a pink bead necklace for each year of survivorship, they will then be recognized for their fight and triumph over the disease during the Survivor Tribute at 9 a.m., a moving ceremony which includes an address to all participants and flying white doves.
This year’s Race is also the official run/walk of the 2012 California Women’s Conference, an internationally-renowned event designed to benefit women from all walks of life with a roster of thought leaders and talented entertainers as well as a marketplace of ideas, exhibits, networking and panel discussions. The California Women’s Conference will take place Sept. 23-24 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Pre-sale tickets are available June 1-15 exclusively through www.californiawomensconference.com/komenoc. For each ticket purchased, Komen Orange County will receive a 20 percent charitable donation. Everyone who brings their Race bib to the opening night of the conference will be given reserved VIP Pink Seating at the Main Stage.
Local Presenting Sponsors include The Allergan Foundation, Chevron, The Orange County Register, Ralphs and Food 4 Less. Platinum Sponsors are ABC7, Pacific Life, Yard House and SOCO. Gold Sponsors are ADP, Churm Media, Cox Communications, Spa Gregorie’s, The PIMCO Foundation and The Sound 100.3.
Race Day Schedule
The 2012 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure will take place Sunday, Sept. 23, beginning with a Wellness Expo from 6:30 a.m. until noon. At 9 a.m., breast cancer survivors will be recognized for their triumph over the disease at a special tribute in their honor. Four separate start-times, which will begin on Newport Center Drive at Santa Barbara Drive, are as follows:
NEW Runner’s Start – 7:15 a.m.
5K Run/Walk – 7:30 a.m.
One-Mile Fun Walk – 8:00 a.m.
5K Run/Walk – 9:45 a.m.
Register Online
Fast and easy registration is available at www.komenoc.org/race. Once signed up, participants can register individually, start or join a team, set fundraising goals and create a personalized link to encourage others to raise money for the cure. With a $21 “Celebration Donation,” contributors will receive a limited edition collectible Race for the Cure pin.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.9 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
For more information on the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, please visit www.komenoc.org or call 714-957-9157.
