The Susan G. Komen Bayou Regional Race for the Cure will be held on Oct. 29 on campus to raise money for breast cancer research and education.
Kim Webre, registered nurse in University Health Services and committee member for Race for the Cure, said that 75 percent of the proceeds stay in the local region for breast cancer education. The other 25 percent goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure corporate office in Texas for global research.
“Nicholls gets a grant from the foundation from the 75 percent of money raised,” Webre said. “It is used for breast cancer education, for things like screening, and clinical breast exams. In other areas, the money might cover mammograms or wigs.”
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, was launched globally in 1982 when Nancy Brinker promised her terminally ill sister, Susan Komen, that she would do anything possible to end breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide and the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Web site.
In 2011, it is estimated that 230,480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States, and 39,450 women and 450 men will die from the disease. There are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today, making them the largest group of cancer survivors in the country.
The Bayou Regional Affiliate of Komen for the Cure joins more than one million breast cancer advocates and survivors around the world to improve the lives of those facing breast cancer.
Participants in the race can be any age, including experienced runners and beginning walkers. Each participant will be given two tickets for food and drink. Families, friends, school or religious organizations and any other groups are encouraged to register as a team.
Webre said that Nicholls forms a team every year.
“By registering with the team, you get a t-shirt and packet. Just drop your registration off to us, and if you register online, print it and bring it to University Health Services,” Webre said. “That way, you get your Race for the Cure t-shirt as well as your team t-shirt with the $20 registration fee.”
Participants may register at University Health Services in Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall or at the stadium on Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. or on the morning of the race. Registration can also be done online at www.komenbayouregional.org.
The Party in Pink is Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event includes food, music and other entertainment for those wishing to register for the race. The party is the last chance for people to register with the $20 pre-registration price.
Registration on the morning of the race starts at 7:30 a.m. for those who have not registered in advance. The one-mile un-timed Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m.
“Race day, we are here at around 5 a.m. because we have a jambalaya cook-off, and the cooks like to start early,” Webre said. “Last year we had 15 jambalaya teams, and this year we are also doing a chili cook-off that we hope people will get involved in.”
After the race, participants and bystanders can eat food and partake in other activities. Dishes from the jambalaya and chili cook-offs will be served. Other vendors including VooDoo BBQ & Grill, Pepper’s Pizzeria, Pepsi and Sodexo will also have food and drink available.
Webre said that there will also be a boutique, raffle and kids’ corner including bounce houses, face painting and airbrush tattoos.
The race was formerly held at Peltier Park but was moved to the University last year because of growing interest.
Michael Lewis, team ambassador for the New Orleans Saints, is the honorary chair of the event.
“We will also have the Cajun Roller Girls of Houma rolling around with pink hairspray,” Webre said.
“If you want your hair sprayed, you can make a small donation with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.”
Webre said that she expects the race to be significantly bigger this year.
“Last year we had about 2,500 participants, and usually we can expect at least 500 more,” Webre said.
For more information on the race, call (985) 493-4448.
University Health Services will have a table in the Student Union throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with educational information and Susan G. Komen for the Cure goodies. On Oct. 10, they will serve pink ice cream for Pink Sundae Monday starting at 11 a.m.
For breast health or breast cancer information, visit www.komen.org.
