Race for the Cure draws support from all sides
Published: September 18, 2004
It�s one thing to read that roughly one woman in seven will face breast cancer at some time in her life. It�s another to stand in Portland�s Waterfront Park and gaze at a sea of walkers, too thick to count, on both sides of the Willamette River and the bridges in between.
The ones in pink shirts and caps are breast cancer survivors. Those in white are friends, family members, well-wishers, co-workers, teachers and students who join them in the Komen Portland Race for the Cure.
Sunday�s 5K walk/run is one of more than 100 being held worldwide. About 37,000 men and women are expected in Portland, making this one of the top 10 Komen events in the country. Portland participants will raise about $1.8 million for cancer research, education, screening and treatment.
That says a lot about the swath that this common cancer has cut through all our lives. It says even more about the size of Oregonians� hearts.
Much of the money raised stays in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Komen grants have funded worthwhile local efforts such as free mammograms for women who can�t afford them. Salem Hospital received a grant to hire a community outreach worker for people who recently learned that they have breast cancer.
If you want to add your support, your check is welcome, of course. But consider taking part, even if you have to register at the race site Sunday morning. It�s a powerful feeling to join this mass of bodies moving as one across bridges, parks and city streets.
Soon you start noticing individuals in the crowd: the pink-shirted young mom and her children. A grandmother who has been cancer-free for decades. An office team to honor a colleague facing surgery. A woman whose pink cap covers a bald head. A young man with his late mom�s picture photocopied on his shirt.
You realize that breast cancer touches every one of us, male or female.
Join others to mourn the people you�ve lost. Support those who are undergoing treatment. Celebrate with all those whose cancers are in remission.
And see that everyone, rich or poor, gets the tests and support needed to cope with breast cancer.
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