9th annual Southern Arizona Race for the Cure approaching

The 9th annual Southern Arizona Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be held at Reid Park in Tucson on Sunday, April 15, and will include more than 12,000 supporters, survivors and participants who have one objective-to help find a cure for breast cancer.

This year, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation marks its 25th anniversary with a renewed and impassioned goal that incorporates a new name and logo, a $1 billion commitment and a host of initiatives designed to support its mission to find a cure.

The organization’s new name is Susan G. Komen for the Cure and is being represented by a logo that features a customized version of the too-famous pink ribbon.

The April 15 race will include a 1-mile walk/run and a 5K (3.1 miles) walk/run. Anyone interested in seeing and supporting an energized crowd of men and women who have come to honor survivors and the memory of those who lost their battle to breast cancer are invited to attend.

The race is getting additional publicity this year as researchers are discovering the benefits of regular exercise before and after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

In the March 26 issue of Newsweek magazine a feature on “Cancer and Staying Fit” says: “After a woman is diagnosed, exercise can dramatically lengthen survival and lower the odds of another tumor.

“For up to 14 years, the Nurses’ Health Study tracked nearly 3,000 participants diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers found that recurrence rates and deaths from breast cancer (and from all causes) dipped 26 percent to 40 percent among those who exercised most, compared with their sedentary peers.

“Brisk walking or equivalent energy-burning activity for three to five hours a week (about 30 minutes a day) netted the biggest benefits.

In Green Valley and Sahuarita, a team called “Quail Creekers for a Cure” has been formed and welcomes anyone from the community at large to join the team by walking, running or simply making a donation. Carpooling to Reid Park on race day will be arranged.

For further information, to donate or to register, e-mail Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@ cox.net.