Kitty's Krew waking for Cathy Williamson | photo Janie Redfearn
I was motivated to get involved in the 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this year because my friend Cathy Williamson is currently battling breast cancer. She asked me to join her team (Kitty's Krew) and I was thrilled to participate as I lost my maternal grandmother to complications from breast cancer in my 20's and know so many friends who are SURVIVORS of this disease. And by participate, I mean taking photos and raising money. My husband gave me so much grief for not actually running in the race, but this diva does not run. Unless it's towards a shoe sale.
Pat Smith and Cynthia Smoot
Honorary chair Pat Smith and Komen Dallas County executive director Jennifer Legere welcomed 25,000 breast cancer survivors, supporters, volunteers and sponsors to the 31st Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at NorthPark Center on Saturday, Oct. 19.Click here to see more photos from the race on Facebook
It's hard to believe that the first ever Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held in Dallas in 1983 with only 800 participants. The Race is now Big D’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, providing lifesaving breast health services for uninsured and underinsured residents and cutting-edge research to find the cures.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series® originated 30 years ago in Dallas, Texas, USA, and is recognized as the world's largest and most successful series of 5K run/fitness walk events designed to raise public awareness of breast cancer. When Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen® organized the first Komen Race for the Cure in 1983 in Dallas, she didn't know that her revolutionary concept would be so popular. This year they will have 13 international Races in 8 countries with more than 150 Races globally.
In Dallas County, an estimated five families lose a loved one to breast cancer each week; and estimated four people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Dallas County is among the nation’s top counties for uninsured residents (ranked ninth)—26.7 percent of residents lack health insurance. To learn more about this organization, visit http://ww5.komen.org/.