Race for the Cure this Saturday at Comerica Park

At last year's Race with my mom, a breast cancer survivor

Your sister. Your mother. Your aunt. Your friend. Your friend's mother. Your co-worker's aunt/mother/sister/grandmother. Nowadays, it seems that everyone knows somebody that has, or has had, breast cancer. And, according to the website of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, approximately 211,240 new cases will be diagnosed in the year 2005.

While cases of breast cancer continue to increase every year, it is important to note that breast cancer screenings have become more common and accessible during the past two decades, prompting earlier detection and a decrease in deaths resulting from advanced-stage breast cancer.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been the major catalyst in the fight against breast cancer. Raising more than $740 million since its creation in 1982, the Race for the Cure 5k run/3k walk is the largest series fundraiser in the world.

This Saturday, June 11, marks the eighth Detroit Race for the Cure. At 7 am, breast cancer survivors are welcomed to gather and celebrate their victory together at the Survivor Cafe, located in front of Comerica Park. Sponsor booths providing educational information on breast cancer are scattered throughout the area in front of Comerica, and Race participants and event attendees will have a chance to browse the stations before the Race begins at 9 am.

If you haven't signed up yet, but are interested in participating, you can still register online through June 9 at 5 pm. The cost for youth ages 6-17 is $15. Adults 18-64 are $30. Those 65 and over are $15, and all children ages 5 and under are free (but must be registered). If you wait until Race day, prices shoot up to $20 for youths, $40 for adults, and $40 for seniors. At this point, all Race packets must be picked up either at the pre-Race expo. in Southfield, or on Race Day.

For more information, please visit the Detroit Race for the Cure website.