This Sunday, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure took place including 1500 breast cancer survivors. The race started this morning at 8 a.m. This event has helped to raise $31 million for breast cancer research.

In the 25th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure, the first place was for Christine Clark in the category for the women’s division. She finished the race in 21 minutes and 50 seconds, while John Pitzulo was the first in the men’s division with 32 minutes and 58 seconds.

Image credit: SmailFord
Image credit: SmailFord

“My cancer has metastasized and I am considered a forever fighter,” said Ms. Durham, who has been dealing with breast cancer since 2009, though he had cancer for the first time 19 years ago. “I’m going to have a most beautiful bald head contest and I guarantee I will win.”

The Susan G. Komen is the largest breast cancer organization in the U.S

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was created in 1982. It has quickly become the largest breast cancer organization in the United States. Since 2010, it has given about 1.5 billion dollars in education, advocacy, research, social support to fight breast cancer. Though its headquarters are in Texas, it causes impact in more than 50 States worldwide with more than 100.00 volunteers.

It received its name in honor to Susan Goodman Komen, who was born in 1943 in Illinois. She found out she had breast cancer when she was 33. She fought but she died when she was 36 years old. Her sister, Nancy Goodman, created the foundation because she believed that her sister could’ve deal in a better way with the disease had she had more information about breast cancer and its treatment.

‘To end breast cancer forever’

Its new logo is a pink ribbon that resembles a woman running in order to reflect one of the most important fundraising activities of the organization: the Race for the Cure. Races take place in several cities. This year, about 18.000 people participated in the race, including 1500 survivors. The race has different modalities. They include 5K runs, fitness walks and 60 miles walks which are made during 3 days.

In Pittsburgh, The winners of the Race for the Cure 5k were Sean Flanagan and Morgan Ansell, who finished with a time of 17 minutes and 43 seconds and 19 minutes and 58 seconds, respectively. They received a $250 Giant Eagle gift. The ones who were in the second and third category also received some prizes.

Image credit: Chicagoevents.com
Image credit: Chicagoevents.com

In Texas this year, Clay Emge won the male category with 16 minutes and 49 seconds. The overall female winner was Kristiana Welch who finished in 22 minutes and 11 seconds. In the survivor’s category, the winners were Beth Filla and Amber Paker who finished in 24 minutes and 30 seconds and 29 minutes and 43 seconds.

“The day was a huge success,” said Lia Rains, executive director of the Komen East Central Texas Affiliate. “There was lots of support from this great community all in the name of breast cancer research, treatment and finding a cure.”

The first race took place in Texas in 1983 with 800 runners. In 2010, there were more than 100 races around the world. Donations and fees for the Race are a major source to fund the projects of the Foundation.

Source: The Morning Telegraph