In just a short two weeks, many of you will be participating in the 26th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 3rd. This is such an amazing event that CSP wants to raise awareness, share stories of those participating here in Charlotte and encourage those who haven’t participated to plan to do so as soon as possible. Every one of us knows someone or knows of someone who has been affected by breast cancer. A mom, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, best friend, friend of a friend…although it may be uncommon, breast cancer can even occur in men. Whether you are walking in memory of a loved one or celebrating survivorship, ladies you have a story to tell and we would love to share those words with our readers. We would like to invite all of you who are walking to submit your race link to info@charlottesmartypants.com, one paragraph about why you are walking and a jpg photo of your team or loved one. Your stories will be shared in next week’s blog on Saturday the 27th. This will give other readers the opportunity to sponsor you and your team and read about just how Smarty you are!
As a nurse, I have had the opportunity to work in a surgery center where we performed breast biopsies and lumpectomies. I also worked at an oncology center in the research department. This really opened my eyes to the fact that breast cancer can happen to anyone at any time. I would like to share a few facts about breast cancer then ask that you take a moment to stop and think of how you might be able to best support the fight against breast cancer.
In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed and an estimated 40,170 will die from it. Another 62,280 cases of in situ breast cancer will occur among women in addition to the numbers above. We have made huge strides in early detection and research that has saved many lives. We need to continue the momentum and support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as those families affected by breast cancer. The website is a wealth of information and shows the opportunities available to get out there and show your support:
www.komen.org
www.komencharlotte.org
Okay, Smarties, let’s get your pink on and let the race begin!
