By Bridget Bimrose
Sunday, September 20, marks the 18th annual Race for the Cure in Portland, Oregon, and nearly 50,000 people are expected to participate in one of the race's six events.
I first ran in "Race for the Cure" two years ago and I was overwhelmed by the sense of camaraderie that I felt with the women and men who ran or walked beside me. There was something so special about this particular group. I quickly realized that the pink shirts identified cancer survivors! They seemed so strong and I was inspired by their strength, commitment and indomitable spirit. There were also moments when I was running and I would catch a glimpse of a picture or a name on the back of a t-shirt - a photo or a name of a mother, sister or friend who did not survive their battle with cancer. It was emotional.
I did some research about The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the history of breast cancer and learned that for many years little was known about breast cancer and it was not something that people discussed.
In 1978, Susan Goodman Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nancy Goodman Brinker was her sister and watched her struggle with this illness. Before she died at the age of 36, Suzy asked her sister to do everything possible to bring an end to breast cancer. Her sister kept her word and established the "Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation" in 1982. If you check out the website at www.raceforthecure.com, there are some amazing stories of love and overcoming the disease.
Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised over $1.3 billion for research, education and health services. Last year the Portland race generated $2.6 million; and I'm happy to report that UP's Race for the Cure team will contribute $1,500 to the cause this year. 75 percent of the locally raised funds stay in Oregon and SW Washington to fund local breast health education, breast cancer screening and treatment programs-good news since the Pacific Northwest has the highest rate of breast cancer in the nation. Last year, more than $40 million went to support community-based education, screening and treatment programs.
The remaining net income (25 percent) supports the "National Komen Research Grant Program," which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. The promoting of science, research and education provides hope to so many women.
I am lucky to work in an environment that promotes fitness and new ideas. My coworker, Amy Harrington, and I decided this year to take our love of running and one of the causes that is closest to our hearts to the next level. We started a University of Portland Race for the Cure team and are excited to have 50 members this year.
Breast cancer is real, and the "Race for the Cure" organization is truly progressive and grassroots. They focus on education, women, and they promote science and research. Amy and I are honored to be a part of this amazing organization. We invite you to put on your running or walking shoes and join us in this worthy cause Sunday morning at Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. You can register in person at the race or throughout the weekend at the Convention Center. We are hoping that this will mark the beginning of a new tradition and commitment to the cause.
Bridget Bimrose is communications project manager
