Race for the Cure, Facebook
This Saturday, NorthPark Center will be abuzz with pink abound for the 34th annual Susan G. Komen Dallas Race for the Cure. And surrounding roads are best avoided during the morning hours by anyone not participating. Unless you really like traffic and pink, that is.
More than 1.5 million walkers and runners are expected to participate in the annual event, held in 150 locations across eight countries.
“The event raises significant funds and awareness for breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease,” according to the organization’s website.
In our neighborhood, proceeds from the race will fund Dallas County breast health services and cancer prevention research.
Map courtesy of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
New to the event this year is a Kids for the Cure interactive exhibit based on the Perot Museum, a VIP tent with former Dallas Cowboy Drew Pearson and outdoor registration. The Jordan Kahn Orchestra and the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Drumline and Dance Squad will perform, too.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation was founded in Dallas in 1982. It focuses its efforts on breast cancer research, prevention and community outreach.
In 2012, the organization became subject to controversy after it stopped funding mammography screenings at Planned Parenthood, something many felt was a politicized move because of the health care provider’s anti-abortion stance, according to the LA Times. By 2013, it lost $77 million in donations.
That decrease has continued since then, too. In 2014, the organization received roughly $228 million in donations. In 2015, it only received about $201 million. Learn more about the organization here.
