April 20, 2014

Contact:

Byron Brenneman
(614) 555-5509
bbrenneman@komencolumbus.org

Susan G. Komen kicks off 23rd annual Columbus Race for the Cure
COLUMBUS, OHIO The Columbus affiliate of Susan G. Komen (Komen Columbus) will
open registration for the 23rd annual Columbus Race for the Cure on Monday, April 27. The
Event will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2014, in downtown Columbus.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the worlds largest non-profit devoted to funding breast cancer
research and helping those afflicted with the disease, having donated $750 million dollars to
research and another $1.3 billion to breast health programs and patient support. Komen
Columbus is one of the largest U.S. affiliates, covering 30 counties in Central Ohio, and having
raised $27 million dollars for the organization since 1993.
Katie Carter, Komen Columbus executive director, said, Walking in honor of someone dealing
with breast cancer is not only powerful, it also helps raise money to advance research and grant
funds to local community-based organizations. I hope the Columbus community will join me in
in the as we walk together to save lives.
The Race for the Cure is currently the worlds largest breast cancer fundraising event, with over
130 races worldwide. The last Columbus Race for the Cure raised $2 million dollars and had
more than 35,000 participants.
Maxine Hammond, a five-year breast cancer survivor, has been involved in the race since going
into remission. She feels that the race is a way for her to help other women just like her.
My diagnosis in 2009 was devastating to me and my family, she said, I involve myself in this
race because I want to help give other women like me the resources and hope they need.
Hammond also noted how helpful Komen Columbus was in her battle and subsequent recovery.
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Without Komen I dont know what I would have done, She said, They provide me with
school transportation for my children when I was in treatment, money for groceries and even my
insurance co-pays.
Since its inception, the Columbus race has also been adopted by several local sponsors including
Nationwide Insurance, L Brands, Bob Evans Farms and Huntington Bank.
Jason Striver, an account director and Race for the Cure coordinator for Nationwide stated that it
is not just corporate philanthropy for him, but something far more personal.
It is not only important for Nationwide as a way to support breast cancer research, but for me as
well, as my mother is a breast cancer survivor. He said, Everything I do for this organization I
do for her. We have both been involved with Komen for over a decade.
Participants in this years race can enjoy a five kilometer timed run or untimed walk, or the onemile Family Fun Walk, in addition to a variety of entertainment and activities. The event site
will open at 7 a.m., and the run will begin at 8 a.m., following the Survivors Parade. For more
information, to register, or to volunteer for the Columbus Race for the Cure, please visit
www.komencolumbus.org.
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