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Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

The soul of a community: Getting pretty in pink

They came in all sizes, colors, creeds, genders and ages. Mostly they came to run or walk to pay their respects to those who have succumbed to breast cancer and those who have survived the dreaded disease. Breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the seventh leading cause of death in women. Yes, men are hit by the disease, too, but in 2005, the most recent statistics available, 41,116 women and 375 men died from the disease. The American Cancer Society predicts that 194,280, people, 192,370 of them women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 40,000 deaths will occur.

The Race for the Cure, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, encourages people all over the country, even the world, to race for the cure. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it would be difficult to find anyone who doesn’t know that — from the National Football League players and coaches wearing everything from pink gloves and shoes — to the officials wearing pink hats. In Macon, the Komen Central Georgia Celebration Walk conducted its 10th run/walk event last Saturday and thousands ran, skipped, hopped and walked the 5-kilometer course. The fun, from the pink shirts and various costumes, was inspired by the serious impact breast cancer has on the lives of its victims and their families. It’s a time to share stories of survival and tales of battles well fought, but lost. It’s a time to collectively remember.

A community does itself proud to pull together such a worthy event, where volunteers only have to be asked once, and groups of runners/walkers call months in advance of the event to sign up to participate. While we have many issues and problems in the Middle Georgia area, seeking to help others by racing for the cure, is not one of them.

— Charles E. Richardson,

for the Editorial Board