Raising Hope: 2007 Race for the Cure
It’s early in the morning for most people, but not for the 5,300 participants of this year’s Race for the Cure, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation. Runners, walkers and survivors alike all gathered together at 6:30 a.m. Saturday for Race for the Cure, held by the Susan G. Komen foundation to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.
According to the Lubbock chapter’s Susan G. Komen Web site, the local chapter was founded in 1995 and has raised more than $1.4 million through Race for the Cure and other various activities that are sponsored by the foundation. Up to 75 percent of net profits from the Lubbock Race for the Cure stay within the community, funding breast cancer screening and education programs for 16 counties around the area.
Ashley Hamm, executive director of the Komen foundation, was inspired by her husband to become involved with Race for the Cure and has been committed to its cause ever since.
“I have been on the board since 2002, and I have been involved with the race since 2000,” said Hamm. “My husband was apart of the race committee, so I kind of followed his footsteps.”
Hamm says the Susan G. Komen foundation is constantly working to get their name out and let people know what they are all about.
“On the national level, Susan G. Komen has lobbyist(s) constantly in D.C. trying to promote what we are here for and get more money allotted for breast cancer research.”
On the local level, Hamm says that she is excited about this year’s growth of Race for the Cure, and looks forward to future of the foundation and its cause.
“I appreciate everybody being here and just can’t wait for next year to be bigger and better.”
For more information about Race for the Cure, or to become a volunteer, please visit the Susan G. Komen foundation’s Lubbock Web site at www.lubbock-Komen.org.