The Sacramento Valley Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will be hosting its sixth annual “Race for the Cure” on Saturday, May. 11th at California Exposition (Cal Expo).

Last year?s race became the largest 5K walk/run in the Northern California region, with this year?s numbers expected to increase.

It was in 1997 when Sacramento became involved with the “Race for the Cure”, attracting well more than 2,000 participants. Years later, this race has become a huge success for the Sacramento Valley Affiliate, bringing in at least 75% of the net funds raised and given straight to local community organizations.

During the years Sac State students have participated and donated their time in helping to find a cure for breast cancer research.

Donna Sanderson, executive director of the Sacramento Valley Affiliate, mentions that students are encouraged to come out and volunteer the day of the event by helping out with the registration booth or just passing out water to the runners.

“It seems that we don?t know that cancers being detected in younger and younger women,” said Sanderson. “College-age women should be aware of breast cancer and do self-examinations”.

Students need to realize that breast cancer is not just their mother?s disease, it?s a disease that can happen to anyone, know matter what age.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 27,” said Rebecca McClure. McClure, who has also lost a close friend to breast cancer last year, encourages students to do self-examinations. “Don?t be afraid or ashamed if you find a lump, and don?t say that it will go away because it won?t go away,” said McClure.

More than 183,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and out of those women 40,000 will die. Educating people on breast cancer is the key of the Komen Foundation, whether it is college-age students or the elderly.

Applications to participate in the race are being accepted up until the day of the race. Come out this Saturday for a good cause and support breast cancer research. For more information regarding the event, visit www.sackomen.org.

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