Milwaukee goes pink to support fight against breast cancer

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, Sept. 26 on Milwaukee’s lakefront, 500 N. Harbor Drive.
Komen Southeast Wisconsin anticipates more than 14,000 people to participate in the Race for the Cure and Kids for the Cure event. The organization has a goal to raise more than $1 million for the cause.
“The race is an exhilarating and momentous event for the community, especially for breast cancer survivors and families who have been affected in some way by breast cancer,” said Sally Sheperdson, executive director of Komen Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate. “I hope each participant is proud to know they’ve made a direct impact and contribution to not only local community efforts, but the extensive breast cancer research Susan G. Komen funds annually.”
According to Wendy Carlson, vice president business banker at Associated Bank, and this year’s Race for the Cure chairperson, more than 75 percent of funds raised at the race will benefit hospitals and community organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin that provide breast health education, breast cancer screening and access to treatment programs for uninsured and under-insured women. The remaining funds benefit the national organization and go towards breast cancer research.
Earlier this year, the southeast Wisconsin affiliate of Susan G. Komen awarded nearly $650,000 in community health grants to organizations dedicated to early detection and the fight against breast cancer. The YMCA’s Bosom Buddies program received a portion of the grant money.
According to Jeannie E. Berry-Mottos, senior coordinator for healthy lifestyles at the YMCA, the Bosom Buddies program is designed to allow uninsured or underinsured women receive annual mammograms and continued support through the check up and diagnosis process.
“Our goal is to help them get to a medical facility and help instill good habits of annual exams and checkups because early detection means a lot in the fight against breast cancer,” she said.
“Studies show that early detection saves lives. Through our community health grants, Komen is committed to ensuring that age-appropriate uninsured and underinsured women in Southeast Wisconsin have full access to routine breast health services,” said Sheperdson, “This is especially critical for individuals with a family history that calls for earlier screenings.”
Harley Davidson Motor company’s team will sponsor the team tailgate area on race day. Individuals can still sign up to participate by visiting the Petit Center on Friday, Sept. 24 or Saturday, Sept. 25. Participants can also register on race day at 7 a.m. before the race. For details click on the video link below or visit the organization’s website.