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Upward and Onward for Komen Race for the Cure in Portland

For 29 years, Susan G. Komen has held its annual fundraing walk as seen above. It was a time when people shared stories, laughter, and tears while raising money that to help fight breast cancer.

Portland, September 16th. Nearly 25,000 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown Portland for the 21st Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Devon Downeysmith, Marketing & Communications Manager, Thomas Bruner, Chief Executive Officer of Portland and SW Washington Susan G. Komen and Toni Mountain, Survivor Programs Manager

The Komen Race for the Cure raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. Every week 61 women in Oregon and Southwest Washington are diagnose with breast cancer, and sadly eleven women die. The Race for the Cure is a time to celebrate survivors and their families while raising money and working toward the promise of ending breast cancer. Enjoy this collection of the images from the event!

There are five different races: Timed 5k, Timed 8k, 1-mile walk, Untimed 5k run, and 5k Walk

The race brought traffic to a standstill on several downtown streets, but police try to keep motorists happy by advanced warnings and detours.

Family and friends formed, “The Chest Nuts”

Finish Line Volunteer Dee Madden gets a hug.

Some Local pageant winners off their support.

Survivors enjoy the support of their families.

Komen CEO, Thomas Bruner was pleased with the turnout. He expected the number of participants to be down about 17% from last year – likely due to the national controversy over the group’s decision to cut off, then restore funds for Planned Parenthood including breast cancer screenings. The Portland event raised an estimated $2.5 million in cash and in-kind services, short of the $3 million fundraising goal. Still, Portland’s dip was not as dramatic as many other cities including San Francisco and New York where participation was down 25%. Now it’s upward and onward for the Portland Komen Race for the Cure!

Michelle Price and Jackie were two of the hundreds of survivors inspired by the Race for the Cure!

It’s a family affair for many.

Part of the fun is getting dressed up.

Four legged friends feel the love.

It’s a chance to get creative!

No wigs are too big or too pink!

Survivors have a special finish line

The race requires hundreds of volunteers including this group of mothers and daughters from the National Charity League

NCL Portland Chapter volunteers, Marti Jacobsen and Martha Nielsen

Waterfront Park comes alive for a cause!

Survivors receive VIP treatment!

Touching the finish line banner is a tradition for many.

The Race for the Cure in Eugene will take place October 21st. Here’s a link to find out more: http://www.komenoregon.org/

From Komen: The effectiveness of Komen Oregon’s mission is entirely dependent on our network of sponsors and volunteers. Money raised by Race participants helps expand access to lifesaving screening and treatment while providing funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research.

For the past twenty years, Komen Oregon has provided tens of thousands of low-income women access to critical breast cancer screening and treatment. Our 360-degree approach is making a difference, with breast cancer mortality rates down and five-year survival rates up.

We support survivors by removing barriers to lifesaving care while also investing in cutting-edge research. Every major advance in global breast cancer research in the last quarter century has been touched by Komen for the Cure dollars.

Race for the Cure Local Sponsors:

CRYSTAL SPONSORS:
Legacy Health
Macy’s
Stash Tea
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The UPS Store – Greater Portland Locations
Wells Fargo

PATRON SPONSORS:
KPMG LLP
Metro West Ambulance
New Balance Portland
Shari’s Restaurants
Pacific Power

IN THE PINK SPONSORS
Honey Bucket
PrintGraphics
Adventist Health
Standard TV & Appliance
The Jay and Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.