Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen NC Triangle Race
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Written by Hilary Allen, '01, Director of Alumnae & Parent Relations
More than 40,000 bottles of water. More than 23,000 people. Nearly $2 million raised. These figures marked this weekend’s Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure that was held here on campus. Meredith has hosted the Race for the Cure for the past 12 years, and this year was the largest yet. 75% of the funds raised will remain in this area to support breast cancer education, research, treatment and screening programs. In addition to hosting the Race, the College also sponsors the Meredith Cares team made up of students, faculty, staff, alumnae and friends of the College.
It is always an amazing experience to be on campus for the Race. What an empowering sight to see so many people coming together for one cause. You also realize how many lives have been impacted by this disease. I was touched to see so many survivors, who wore pink t-shirts, as well as family and friends that raced in honor or in memory of a loved one. I also can’t say enough about the volunteers that were on campus as well as throughout the entire race course. They waved pom poms, cheered, clapped, and offered many thanks to the race participants. We raced down Hillsborough Street and through the adjoining neighborhood where we also found support from the home owners. Front yards and streets had signs of support as well as the much need squirt of water guns and sprinklers and gusts of breeze from industrial sized fans. Families came out to offer cheers and high fives to the racers as they walked and ran the course. I left campus Saturday a little sweaty, but with a full heart and a lot of hope that we will one day be able to find a cure for breast cancer.
If you have never participated in the Race for the Cure, please consider doing so next year. For those that are sleepy heads, you can even Sleep in for the Cure.
Take a look at the bevy of activity on campus during Race for the Cure (click here!)