is back in downtown Toledo on Sunday, September 28, bringing momentum back to community members who are impacted by breast cancer or those who support breast cancer survivors.
Gretchen Awad, the director of Race for the Cure for Northwest Ohio and Detroit, is grateful to be back in Northwest Ohio, “We are grateful to Northwest Ohio for letting us come back to run this race again, and for all the people who are coming to join us on race day.”
Race for the Cure is a community initiative for survivors of breast cancer. Awad says the race feels like a reunion. She is looking forward to seeing people she does not get to connect with throughout the year.
This is Ohio’s 32nd annual Susan G. Komen 5k race in support of breast cancer awareness. The Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure is located at Hensville Park in downtown Toledo on September 28, the last Sunday of the month.
The race continues to support women’s health, education, research and treatment of breast cancer. They do this to move the cause forward and for the community to come together and have fun for a good cause.
Komen aims to attack breast cancer from all fronts, through the patient care center that provides financial and healthcare assistance, and through providing treatment options, diagnostic and treatment care, and through the race, giving an opportunity to financially support Komen’s cause. They continue to do what they do to bring progression of treatment and care for those dealing with breast cancer.
In the last 50 years, breast cancer has come a long way. Awad mentions that 50 years ago, breast cancer was never said out loud, no one would say the word breast cancer, and it was very much in the shadows; and Komen brought it out from the shadows to be talked about.
Signing up for this year’s race will continue the research and efforts of Susan G. Komen. By signing up for the race or volunteering, you can be a part of continuing Komen’s cause. Recently, the organization raised $11 million for breast cancer, with more than 30 organizations, including those focused on metastatic breast cancer for health and education.
A special survivor will be represented as a celebrated honorary, and they will memorialize an honorary, both to remember those who have overcome breast cancer and those lost to breast cancer.
A lot of pink is worn at the race representing the color of breast cancer.
Special giveaway prizes will be given to breast cancer survivors at the race. Each year, there is something new to look forward to at the race. Although this is important, Awad is looking forward to the community coming together: “all the extra stuff is fun and wonderful, but when you can hug the people who you haven’t seen in nearly a year, that’s the most fun.”
At the race, there will be information tents available if anyone needs assistance or has questions relating to the race or the cause. This is a way anyone can get in touch with Komen if anyone needs help, and to ensure that the information is available on race day.
Those looking to be involved in the community can join together in support of breast cancer awareness. You can register as an individual or, if you want to bring your best friends along, join a team. If you’d like to make a difference, there is an opportunity to volunteer at this upcoming race. All are welcome to register or donate online at komen.org/nwohio race.com. ✲
