The pitter-patter of thousands of feet hitting the pavement is history, as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure attracted an estimated 12,000 registrants on September 10, 2011. Registrations, however, were well behind 2010 figures. "We estimate that our drop in registration amounts to a potential $400,000 loss in funding," says Sophie Sureau, executive director of the Northeast Ohio affiliate. Since the Race for the Cure is the primary funding source for the most comprehensive network of breast cancer services in Northeast Ohio, women most at risk may not have access to life-saving programs.
So the organization has decided to launch a new race immediately--the virtual kind!
Through October 15th, "virtual racers" will be able to continue the fundraising effort, and compete on-line for valuable prizes and recognition.
The goal of the Virtual Race campaign is to register 4000 people by the October 15th deadline. "We're establishing a new web-page to launch the Virtual Race," says Sureau. "And they'll be able to receive a Race for the Cure T-shirt and compete for prizes with a $40 registration fee."
"We realize that times are tough for many people and we think that's one reason why we saw fewer registrants in this year's Race for the Cure," says Sureau. "But every Race participant lost equals $100 in decreased funding available for life-saving programs. Our fund-raising efforts must keep pace with the growing demand for services. Creating a Virtual Race will help us continue our efforts to save lives in our community."
Supporters should visit www.komenneohio.org to register for the Virtual Race.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate
Since 1994, the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has raised $19 million to provide funding and support to Northeast Ohio agencies working to create a world without breast cancer. In 2011, Komen Northeast Ohio granted nearly $1.2 million to 14 agencies across the region. The agencies provide mammograms and screening, breast cancer education and ongoing support to women, men, their families and friends. Up to seventy-five percent of the money raised locally funds programs in Northeast Ohio, and the remaining 25 percent helps fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Research Grant Program. Our vision is to create a world without breast cancer.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure® and the Komen 3-Day for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.9 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
Contacts:
Komen Northeast Ohio Affiliate
Sophie Sureau, 216-292-2873
x103
Cell: 440-488-1896
ssureau@komenneohio.org