Tulsa Race for the Cure sees steady numbers
| Updated: 9/14/2012 9:32 am |
Published: 9/13/2012 8:07 pm
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Earlier this year, the Susan G Komen Foundation found itself embroiled in a controversy about a decision to stop giving funds to Planned Parenthood.
The organization quickly reversed that decision, but after upsetting many people. Several Race for the Cures across the country saw a dip in participants after the situation, but in Tulsa, race organizers are cautiously optimistic they'll be able to meet last year numbers. In 2011, the Tulsa Race for the Cure raised $950,000. By the looks of a busy race headquarters at Promenade Mall on Thursday, Tulsa will once again be close to the $1 million mark. “We are just shy of what our goal is, and we're real excited. We think we're going to hit our number,” Komen Tulsa Executive Director Christy Southard told FOX23. 25 cents of every dollar raised toward that goal goes to national cancer research. Southard says the other three quarters of the money collected could help someone in your family. “The other 75 percent stays right here (in Tulsa), and we use it to fund programs that offer low cost and no cost mammograms, and it funds our own education programs.” The money helps people like Connie Brown, who will be downtown bright and early Saturday morning. “(I race) to show that you can survive, and you can make it, and you don't have to be a grouch about it,” she said. Connie's husband, Paul, plans to walk right by her side. “It's pretty inspirational, because you're seeing people who battle cancer, who are going through the same thing,” he said. Paul isn't just the survivor's spouse; he's also a breast cancer survivor himself. “That's the main reason I never miss a race, to try to bring the attention to the men.” Connie says man or woman, survivor or friend; don't forget the neighbor whose life could be saved by your decision to race. “I think (people who aren’t sure about racing) have to be a little bit more broad minded. Put it on your board to think about it, but still show up to support your community.” Race organizers say unless there's lightening, the race will go on, even if it's raining.
If you're still interested in signing up, there will be registration on Friday at ONEOK Field from 10:00 to 5:30.
For more information about Tulsa’s Race for the Cure, click here: http://www.komentulsa.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/
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