HUNNEMAN: Racing for the Cure
By JOHN HUNNEMAN | Posted: Thursday, October 6, 2011 5:00 pm

Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/columnists/hunneman/article_90d7bb69-6...

This time, it's personal.

On Oct. 16, thousands of runners, walkers, strollers and people pushing strollers will congregate at The Promenade mall in Temecula for the 13th annual Inland Empire Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

For the fifth year, "The Californian for the Cure" will have our squad of about 20 or so people walking in the event, which is designed to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer.

The Komen Foundation was started with a promise made between two sisters ---- Susan G. Komen and Nancy Brinker. Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978. Before she died at age 36, Komen asked her sister to do everything she could to bring an end to breast cancer.

The local race started in 1999 and about 5,000 people, including yours truly, were part of that first event.

Last year, 12,600 people participated, said Cindy Stillman, communications manager for the local Komen affiliate.

"This year we hope to have about 13,000 in honor of our 13th anniversary," Stillman said.

Until recently, I could say breast cancer had not touched my family.

That's probably not still true.

Early this year, my wife's cousin announced she was undergoing a very aggressive treatment regimen for a cancer. She wanted to keep her illness private and we didn't press her, but breast cancer was among the possibilities. Recently, via Facebook, she posted "I am a Phoenix, rising renewed from the ashes to live a long, healthy, & happy life."

And then, last month, came the sad news that another family member, my cousin's wife, had died after being diagnosed with an undisclosed illness. She had just retired after teaching school for 37 years. Again, I didn't press for a reason, but I have my suspicions.

Last year, the Inland Empire chapter of Susan G. Komen distributed more than $574,000 in grants to area groups and nonprofits that provide support and resources to women battling breast cancer, and educate the community about breast cancer prevention and detection.

Among those local groups is Michelle's Place, a 10-year-old organization that has received funding from Komen from the beginning.

Last year, Michelle's Place served 1,623 area women.

Komen helps support the group's Breast Health Assistance program that provides free or low-cost diagnostic breast health services to low-income women, said Kim Goodnough, Michelle's Place executive director

"We're very grateful," Goodnough said. "They have supported many different programs in our community."

You can still sign up to be part of this great event, either by visiting www.komenie.org, or in person Saturday near Macy's in the mall during the day, or Monday through Wednesday evenings. You can also sign up the morning of the race in the parking lot of The Promenade.

Whether it's personal or not, everyone is welcome to be part of this great event.

Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/columnists/hunneman/article_90d7bb69-6...