Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure--UPDATE

[alisonph]

A friend of mine who, after quitting smoking and having some health issues, where steriods were prescribed, gained about 40# over the course of 5 years. She joined Weight Watchers and has been successful with almost 25# and is looking and feeling great.

This past summer a very young friend of hers was diagnosed with, and passed away from, breast cancer. My friend, who has NEVER run a race, decided to run the Susan G. Komen-Maryland race in her friend's name. A group of this woman's friends put together a team. I'm part of that team. There are 86 of us on the team and we have raised over $8600.00 for breast cancer research!! We're called Ret's Runners. I'm so excited! I've never raised money by running and it's so much fun! Lot's of folks have been touched by cancer and donating to research helps them make a difference.

[Goalie]

Alison, you blow me away girl. I am so proud of you. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[Deb]

You make me proud, too. It is for such a good cause.

[alisonph]

Huge success! Our team of 90 people raised $10,000.00 and for the collective total over $3 million was raised. There were 32,000 runners in the race. 75% of the money stays in the state for research. It was totally amazing to see the sea of people in front of us and behind us. There were bands and cheerleaders all along the route.

Our team had shirts made honoring the woman we were all running for. Many others had similar shirts. It was very emotional to see entire families running for "mom" and mom wasn't there. We all cried numerous times. It was especially heart wrenching to see the photos of "mom". There were a TON of little kids running the race for "nana". I mean little kids, like 8 years old:)

Definitely a wonderful event for an excellent cause. Our team is excited to do it again next year.

[sarafina]

alison - i'm so thrilled to hear this. what a way to honor her. i lost my very good friend and mentor this past march to breast cancer. your good work will help many, i'm sure.