On Saturday, thousands will descend downtown to help raise money and bring awareness to breast cancer during the 21st Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure.
The day will include an opening ceremony, the annual Pink Parade of breast cancer survivors, a 5K timed competitive/non-competitive run, and a one-mile family walk along with a scavenger hunt.
In the midst of the celebration of survivors and honoring the lives of those who have died due to breast cancer, many understand that while there have been great strides, there is still a lot of work to be done in finding a cure.
During Indianapolis’ recent Super Bowl experience, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center and the Super Bowl host committee, capitalized on the game’s media blitz by creating Indy’s Super Cure. The goals of the initiative were to raise awareness and fundraise for the Komen Tissue Bank as well as increase the diversity of breast tissue donations.
“By finding a reason why people who don’t have cancer stay normal we were hoping that finding that answer would be able to differentiate cancer from normal, trace that and figure out why people have cancer,” said Dr. Monet Bowling, researcher at the IU Simon Cancer Center.
Dr. Susan Clare, co-director of the Komen Tissue Bank noted that the attention from the Super Bowl Host Committee was hugely important to the Komen Tissue Bank reaching goals to continue its research.
“Getting the financial support from Indy’s Super Cure has been key,” she said. “Money is one thing, but having women in the city who are so accomplished and well connected on our team, pushing for us, doing whatever they can to make sure this is a continued success, I can’t over emphasize how important that is.”
Moreover, a recent study released in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who have early breast tumors surgically removed may often go through repeat mammograms and invasive procedures for years afterwards, with two-thirds having at least one more invasive procedure over the next decade.
The study, which covered nearly 3,000 women, focused on so-called ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS – abnormal cells in the milk ducts that are considered the earliest stage of breast cancer. The most common treatment involves removing only the abnormal tissue and conserves the breast.
This study, like others, proves the continued significance breast cancer has on women as well as the importance of fundraising and awareness events like the Race for the Cure.
What you need to know about 2012 Race for the Cure on April 21
Parking
Parking will be allowed in designated IUPUI parking lots – look for the signs, but please note that parking will be hard to come by. With more than 38,000 participants expected, traffic will be heavy and parking limited – arrive early to allow plenty of time.
Pets and Strollers
Pets are not allowed at the Race. Families are welcome to bring children in strollers but are asked to participate in the less congested One-Mile Family Walk.
Registration
Individuals will be able to register on Race Day morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Registration Shelter in Military Park.
