When you hear the word breast cancer, what goes through your mind? While the term frightens many, the one thing that we must do is become aware of it.  How many of us perform routine self-breast exams, know someone who has had breast cancer, or even someone who is currently fighting it?  Breast cancer is one disease that does not differentiate between age, race, or ethnicity and the only way that we can fight this is through awareness and early detection.

The Susan G. Komen race for the cure is in its 21^st year; and throughout those decades the organization has become the lead advocate in breast cancer awareness, education, detection, research, and support.  On June 5^th, 2010 the annual capital area race will take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Thousands of supporters and survivors will flock to the streets of our Capital in support of the cause.  This year as an added bonus, the foundation is challenging Capitol Hill to increase their participation through the "State of Pink Challenge."  In an effort to prove that "pink is not partisan," Congressional officials and staffers are encouraged to donate their time and resources, in-order to help bring about awareness and increased treatment to the beltway region.  

In the twenty year history of the region's race, the Susan G.  Komen Foundation has raised more than $24 million for local organizations, which is part of the estimated $1.4 billion that has been raised globally since its inception in 1982.  This is all due in part to the local participants, corporations, and national sponsors donating their time and funds to the cause. Last year's event raised an astounding $4.7 million for local education and outreach programs, and because of their fundraising efforts, wait times for a breast biopsies at a Washington, DC cancer center were reduced by 17%.  Our participation makes a difference and we need yours. To find out more information regarding the June 5^th race, please contact 703-416-RACE or visit www.globalraceforthecure.org.

- Molly Smith