Since 1982, The Susan G. Komen foundation has been committed to finding a cure to breast cancer. Because of events like Komen Race for the Cure, the foundation is able to invest over $2 billion in ground-breaking research and community health outreach programs every year.
This past Saturday, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Greater Nashville was held in Brentwood. The streets were decked in pink as participants trotted to the starting line and special events.
Upon arrival, participants were graced with free gifts from sponsors like 104.5 The Zone, Sharpie, McDonalds, Williamson County Medical Center, and tons more. The Parade of Survivors emotional march began twenty minutes before the race and courageous women and their families took a proud step toward a new life, cancer free.
Scattered across the crowd of pink wigs and tu-tu’s were pink pieces of paper posted on the backs of runners/walkers that read: “I race in celebration of…” Some were written with the memory of lost loved ones or survivors, and some of the papers even had the simple word: “me”.
Congress-woman Marsha Blackburn spoke a few words before handing the mic over to Angie Keith, a 30-year survivor. Angie was given her own “30-year Survivors” category in honor of her fight. She talked about what an honor it was to be recognized, and the scary realization of the cancer.
“When I was diagnosed thirty years ago, I was terrified…I thought it was a death sentence,” said Keith, “and there has been so many advances to fight this disease over the past thirty years.”
She also gave some words of advice to fellow survivors and women faced with the disease now.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel and just keep the faith…keep moving…stay active…stay healthy… and take care of yourself and before you know it…you’ll be a thirty year survivor.”
To find more out about the Susan G. Komen foundation, you may visit http://ww5.komen.org. And check out our slideshow of photos from the race above!
