Laker Standout, Women Gear Up For Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Get ready to lace up your sneakers and take a stand against breast cancer!
More than 15,000 people, from breast cancer survivors to advocates to celebrities, are expected to participate in the Susan G. Komen LA County Race for the Cure at Dodger Stadium on March 23.
The 17th annual event, which includes a 5K Run/Walk, a Kids Fun Run and a 10K "Double Down," will raise much-needed money for breast cancer screening, education and treatment services.
Mark Pilon, the executive director of Komen LA, said the majority of that money will stay local.
"75 percent of all the money that we raise here will stay right here in Los Angeles for diagnostics and treatment…so it's a great day," he said.
Annette Reid, a co-chair of LA's Race for the Cure, said she's directly benefited from the donated funds.
"I'm a breast cancer survivor, and the other 25 percent of money we raise goes to research for treatment and drug trials. Some of that research I benefited from in my own treatment," she said.
Terry Bucknall of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital said the Susan G. Komen organization has significantly changed people's lives.
"Over the past nine years, we've had a grant with Susan G. Komen. We've received $270,000. We've been able to treat 1,500 patients and saved lives," she said.
Lakers forward Jordan Hill, who is proudly taking part in the event (join Team Hill), told CBS2/KCAL9's Lisa Sigell that he has a personal connection to the disease.
"When I was three, I lost my mother to breast cancer. I really didn't get to know her as I wanted to. It still hurts my heart. That's my mother," he said.
For more information on how to join the race, which is sponsored by CBS2/KCAL9, visit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
