HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Volunteers racing for a cure for breast cancer are hoping that number 13 will be lucky, as plans get underway for the 13th annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Connecticut Race for the Cure(R) at historic Bushnell Park, in Hartford. Save the date June 3!
Race leadership once again includes diverse representation from across the state, including new and returning volunteers. Chairperson for 2006 is Cheryl Cepelak of Westbrook. Honorary co-chairpersons are NBC TV 30 news personality Joanne Nesti; and survivor Patti Bradshaw, of Cromwell. The team is hard at work identifying sponsors, volunteers, teams and donors. Online registration, featuring a free gift from Hartford Magazine and Home Living Magazine, will be open in March at www.komenct.org.
Since 1993, Komen CT Race for the Cure efforts have poured nearly $5 million into statewide breast cancer organizations and projects. In addition, approximately $1.5 million (25 percent of net proceeds) has been sent to the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program. That international program, in turn, has awarded more than $2.6 million to Connecticut medical and research institutions.
"Nearly 3,000 CT people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, placing our state high on the list for incidence of breast cancer in the U.S.," said Race chairperson Cheryl Cepelak. "Komen's model, with the 75/25 split, is ideal because it allows the Komen Connecticut Affiliate to aggressively target the state's most immediate breast health needs.
"I am proud to be leading such an important cause this year. Nearly 30 organizations in CT received Komen CT grants in 2005 alone, and since the Race began in this state, Komen has distributed nearly $5 million here," Cepelak added.
"At the same time, the Affiliate's contribution, pooled with the contributions of more than 113 other Komen Affiliates and Komen Race events, supports the most promising breast cancer research projects at institutions around the world, including Yale University and the University of Connecticut."
The Komen Connecticut Race is part of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure(R) Series. The largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants in Dallas, Texas, in 1983 to a series of more than 100 Races with 1.5 million people participating in 2005.
At each Race event, breast cancer survivors in pink caps and pink T-shirts are celebrated and honored for their strength and courage. The Komen Race for the Cure(R) celebrates breast cancer survivors and empowers women to take charge of their breast health.
For more information on how you can become involved, call the Komen CT Race hotline: 860-728-5500. The Komen Connecticut Affiliate and Race offices are located in Hartford at Metro Center, 350 Church Street, Lobby Level, 06103. Visit the Komen Connecticut Affiliate's Web site at www.komenct.org, or email: info@komenct.org.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation ConnecticutCONTACT: Barbara Puffer 203-457-0231, or cell, 203-494-2765, orbarbara@pufferpr.com
Web site: http://www.komenct.org/