Lubbock's Race For The Cure Raised Over $350,000

Lubbock’s Susan G. Komen For The Cure foundation raised over $350,000 in net proceeds from this year’s  Lubbock Race For The Cure.

According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, October has been the month for promoting breast cancer awareness for over 25 years.

“We have really tried to get one month where awareness is very, very strong,” Ashlee Hamm, Lubbock’s executive director of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, said. “At the same time, we have actually talked a lot today about how breast cancer does not just happen in one month, so we need awareness all year long.”

Hamm said for the past 18 years, the community has participated in Race For The Cure, Komen’s biggest fundraiser in Lubbock.

She said 75 percent of the proceeds from the race stay in Lubbock county and the 15 surrounding counties, but 25 cents of every dollar goes towards national research grants. Hamm said this provides a nice balance of money distribution.

Besides Race for the Cure, Hamm said, the Lubbock Komen foundation also sponsors a fundraiser in March called Laugh For The Cure.

“We realize that not everybody wants to get up at six in the morning and come run, so we are always looking for new things to do to attract different audiences,” Hamm said.

Hamm said Komen is completely funded by donations and volunteers with no help from the federal government. She said the Lubbock community has responded to the foundation with support.

“We are very lucky for the relationship we have with our community,” Hamm said.

Aside from fundraisers, Hamm said, the foundation offers a network for those battling breast cancer, as well as for survivors. She said the foundation also encourages the community to be proactive.

“Know your body because nobody knows it better than you,” Hamm said. “If something feels out of sort, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.”

Hamm said the foundation is always looking for volunteer support.

“We are just very, very grateful for the support we receive because we are able to do our work because of the people of the community,” Hamm said.

For more information on Susan G. Komen For The Cure or information on how to volunteer in Lubbock, go to their website.

 

by Emily Pellegrini

Contributed to The Hub by Jour 3312

About Emily Pellegrini