In order to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise
funds to find a cure, organizations find that a breast cancer
run is a positive and successful way of accomplishing both
goals. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has sponsored
the Komen Race for the Cure for over 20 years. This event
involves over 1.5 million participants annually and is held
throughout the U.S. and internationally also. The series of
races is actually the largest series of 5K runs/walks in the
world. With a support network of over 75,000 volunteers and
Affiliates in over 100 cities, the Races convey the importance
of good breast health, educate about early detection of breast
cancer, and use up to 75% of the funds in the local area’s
programs for outreach, screening and treatment.
The American Cancer Society sponsors its Relay for Life events
in hundreds of communities throughout America. In each event,
participants join into teams which then get sponsors for their
overnight contest. Even though the Relay is for all types
of cancer, it does raise awareness of breast cancer, as many
participants are breast cancer survivors themselves. With
much positive energy throughout, the goal of the event is
to honor those who have already been lost to cancer; support
those who are battling it now; and celebrate with the survivors
of the disease.
The City of Hope, a comprehensive cancer treatment center
designated by the National Cancer Institute, is located close
to Los Angeles, California. It sponsors the Walk for Hope
to Cure Breast Cancer throughout the U.S. annually as a family-oriented
walk or run, including timed 5K and 10K events. Proceeds from
the events go toward its research programs, public information
and treatment. The Walk for Hope is also supported by many
national sponsors.
The Run for the Cure is a breast cancer run sponsored by
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and held throughout
Canada. The goal of the Foundation is to support breast cancer
education, diagnosis and treatment, and research programs.
With over 170,000 Canadian participants, it raised over $19
million in 2004. |
