2011 Race for the Cure® Raises $1.6 Million

Local presenting sponsor QFC recruits largest team with 836 members, rivaling all-time high participation for corporate category

(June 5, 2011)  SEATTLE – More than 13,000 supporters hoping to end breast cancer forever came together as one, united community at the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure® Sunday morning at Seattle Center.  The 1 Day/5K run and walk raised $1.6 million through the efforts of survivors, supporters, educators, health care providers, Puget Sound companies, and more.

Among this year’s top fundraisers:
•   Team Winning SWAG Double SWAG topped the Friends and Family team category
•   Michelle Sloan of Bellevue, a survivor, was the top individual fundraiser

Leading the morning’s festivities were several area leaders and celebrities, including KING 5 TV personalities Jean Enersen and Meeghan Black, plus Seattle Storm All-Star Swin Cash.  Also participating in the 5K Walk was Puget Sound Affiliate Executive Director, Cheryl Shaw, who recently completed treatment for breast cancer, who knew that exercise can help boost her chances of survival. 

Local Fundraising Impact
The Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the country’s largest affiliates, and Race for the Cure is the affiliate’s largest fundraiser.  In 2011, it awarded nearly $3 million to local organizations and global research to find a cure; 75 percent of the net funds go toward local breast health education, screening and treatment support and 25 percent are earmarked for scientific research.

Breast Cancer Impact and Prevention
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women ages 40 to 59, but the disease can strike anyone, at any time. As women age, their risk factors increase.  Early detection is the key to survival, as well as following three easy steps: 1) regular mammograms, 2) clinical breast exams, and 3) breast self-awareness.