Hitting the ground running
Coming together as a community to support the Race for the Cure
October 26, 2017
Families and friends wearing bold shades of pink roam the event for a common cause– to fight breast cancer and spread awareness. The Texarkana Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event was held Oct. 21 at the Four States Fairgrounds and Bobby Ferguson Park. Over 3,000 runners and walkers participated in the 3.5 mile race and donated over $5,000 trying to reach the goal of $100,000 to find a cure.
Participants in the race celebrate their victories over cancer. The Texarkana Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held Oct. 21.
Beginning preparations were at 7 a.m., and each coordinator made last finishing touches to make sure that every aspect of the race operated with ease. Every year, volunteers help with the survivors’ breakfast, assist in setting up the tents and cleaning up afterward.
“I’m the coach here at the event for volunteers. Race for the Cure is aimed to raise money for breast cancer awareness,” volunteer coordinator Jenny Blanke said. “Volunteering is such an important job because without their help, the race can’t go on. Each group has their own set of duties which helps the event become what it is.”
Club members of American Sign Language Honor Society and Health Occupation Students of America helped by organizing part of the track separating the walkers and runner competitors. Both groups also cheered on the participants as they reached the finish line.
“I enjoyed volunteering at the Race For the Cure even though I don’t have any family members directly associated with breast cancer,” senior Alan Alvarado said. “I think it’s important to contribute any way I can.”
Most importantly, the motives of each individual attending the event are concerned about actively working to find any support system for the survivors. Each person provides stability to families with breast cancers survivors and the ones who are currently battling the disease.
“The race is all about the survivors and those with breast cancer now. It’s not about us, the community members or anyone else,” Blanke said. “The survivors and those with breast cancer are fighting an unimaginable battle every day. The work everyone puts into this event is something that requires passion and understanding. We’re happy about how smooth everything has gone and we’re always looking to better the community.”
To donate to the breast cancer fund, click here.