More than 445 Connecticut breast cancer survivors participated in a survivor parade that made its way through Bushnell Park during the Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure on June 5, 2010. Other survivor recognition events included a breakfast the morning of the Race and a group photo on Capitol grounds.
The Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to announce the results of its 17th Annual Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure held on June 5, 2010. This year’s Race for the Cure is the organization’s most successful fundraiser for breast cancer to date: More than 15,000 Connecticut residents, survivors and families joined together in the local fight against breast cancer. Together, they raised more than $830,000 to invest in local breast cancer education, screening, treatment and research.
“Participation and fundraising dollars translate directly into support for local breast cancer programs throughout Connecticut,” said Anne Morris, executive director of Komen Connecticut. “We consider this event a huge success because we know the money raised will help women and their families right here in Connecticut. It’s why people come out to the event, and it’s why we keep our focus local.”
Through events like the Race for the Cure, Komen Connecticut is able to support local breast health programs with seventy five percent of net revenue. The remaining twenty five percent funds national and local clinical research. In 2010 alone, Komen Connecticut supported 21 local breast health programs through $1.02 Million in funding.
In Komen Connecticut’s 17-year history, Komen for the Cure has invested more than $20 Million in Connecticut-based breast cancer education, screening, treatment and research programs to benefit our local communities.
“Our Race really isn’t about the running – it’s about fundraising to fight breast cancer in Connecticut,” said Christa Allen, Race Chair and Marketing and Sponsorship Chair for Westfarms. “We wanted to make a big impact on the disease this year, and Connecticut didn’t let us down. We raised more money than ever in our history, meaning we can invest more money into programs that will make early detection a reality for everyone in the state.”
Connecticut’s Race, held each year at Bushnell Park in Hartford, is part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series, the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer.
The event included the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center 5K Race, the Westfarms 4K Walk, the 1.5K Walk, the Kids’ Short Run and Kids’ K. Governor M. Jodi Rell served as Honorary Chair this year.
Additional highlights from the Race include:
* Luke Meyer of Ridgefield and Meredith Remigino of West Hartford were the top male and female finishers, leading more than 5,700 runners and walkers in the race to end breast cancer forever.
* Event sponsorship was at an all-time high, with 72 local businesses, organizations, foundations and individuals engaging in the local fight against breast cancer through support for the event.
* They were joined by Kisha Mitchell, a New Haven resident and pathologist at Yale University. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 34, Kisha participated in the Race for the first time so that she could play a more proactive role in managing and curing breast cancer.
* 329 teams participated – their most ever - with Pratt & Whitney (who donated more than $20,000), TEAMPATTY, Team Akeso, Team Kenna, and Rita “Margarita” Gutauskas holding the honor as their top team fundraisers.
* They were joined once again by Marj Sasiela, 71, of Newington, who has not missed a Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure in its 17-year history.
* More than 445 survivors, representing everyone from the recently diagnosed to the more than 35-year survivors, participated in the Survivor Parade, which turned Bushnell Park into a sea of pink, celebrating survivorship in Connecticut.
* Patty Fox of West Hartford was the top individual fundraiser, contributing more than $10,000.
About the Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Komen for the Cure’s presence in Connecticut began in 1994 with a Race for the Cure. The local organization was incorporated as an Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1999. Komen Connecticut serves local communities by providing funding for research and local life-saving programs which address education, screening and treatment for Connecticut residents. In 2010, Komen Connecticut invested $1.02 Million locally, providing funding to 21 Connecticut breast health programs. Since 1994, Komen for the Cure has awarded more than $20 Million to programs in our local communities. For more information, visit KomenCT.org or call 860-728-4955.
