Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure and Summit

Last weekend I was one of ten bloggers visiting Washington, DC for the very first Susan G Komen blogger summit - Experience the Mission: What Makes Pink Possible. This event was held during the weekend of the Susan G. Komen global race for the cure. It was an awesome opportunity! On more than one occasion I’ve written about breast cancer on this blog and in March I shared my first mammogram experience with you. I know so many people affected by this type of cancer  - my best friend’s mom, my roommate in South Africa, my aunt, another friend’s mother, and a very close personal friend who is celebrating two years cancer free this fall. Just last week one of my dear blogging friends was diagnosed and I know she will kick cancer’s butt!

Sadly, among the group of people I know, several have succumbed to this disease. I’ve run in honor of my friend Susan with the American Cancer Society and focused on the name of my Aunt Chip who also died from this disease. I’ve raised money and run a 5k with Susan G. Komen in the past and continue to support the fight against breast cancer. I’m so very honored to have been among the women who attended Experience the Mission: What Makes Pink Possible.

I learned so much at the summit and I want to share a few things with you.

Susan G. Komen is committed to ending breast cancer by empowering people, energizing science to find a cure and ensuring quality care for all people.

• Every 19 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer
• Around the world a woman dies from breast cancer every 74 seconds
• Since 1982, Susan G. Komen has invested over $2 Billion in the fight against breast cancer including research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries
• 75% of funds raised at local races remain in the community and are granted to community partners
• Susan G. Komen has funded 700,000 breast cancer screenings and
• Funds education, screen and treatment for those who need it most

A couple community partners were in attendance, Nueva Vida and the DC Pink Divas they target the Latina and African American communities respectively. A fact that I did not know is that Washington, DC has the highest rate of breast cancer in the nation. Quite remarkable considering how small it is. And of course it is primarily in the African-American communities. The DC Pink Divas are working diligently to get women in for exams and screenings. The work they do is essential.

We also heard from researchers who are doing great work. I was moved by both of them, Dr. Neil Spector is a survivor of heart disease and was faced with his own mortality a few years ago but was blessed to receive a heart transplant. And Dr. Priscilla Brastianos who is researching metastatic breast cancer and just 2 weeks ago lost her mother to the disease. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and I applaud her bravery for sharing her story and the work that she is doing.

After the presentations we had the pleasure of breaking bread with new CEO Dr. Judith Serano and we were surprised by a visit from founder Nancy G. Brinker. After a wonderful dinner and conversation we retreated to our rooms to prepare for the next day - the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

My favorite photo of the day with my friend Rene of Good Enuf Mother

It was an awesome experience! Being in the presence of so many survivors and running by their side was so emotional. I ended up running but the rest of my group walked. We were separated before the race and when I heard the call for runners I just went for it. 

My run was powered by the generosity of New Balance, we were all gifted with Lace Up 365 running shoes. These shoes were specially designed in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Susan G. Komen.

Overall, I had an awesome time and am looking forward to working more closely with Susan G. Komen in the future. 40,000 people die from breast cancer annually in the United States. The FIGHT IT NOT OVER!

Disclosure: All travel, accommodations, meals and activities were provided courtesy of Susan G. Komen. As usual, all opinions are my own.