50+ Lifestyles

Race for the Cure

Information from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Quad Cities

A cherished support network of family and friends helped Kewanee’s Lynette Lempke battle breast cancer in 2009. And that same group has banded together, making a huge impact on the fight against breast cancer.

Lempke’s supporters were anxious to hear updates on her health, and met her at a local restaurant for margaritas and tacos throughout her journey. This became a tradition, and the group formed a fundraising team for the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure, called “Cocktails for the Cure”.

“We’d pass around a bra and take up a collection throughout the whole restaurant. Some would host cocktail parties in their home. We’ve sold ‘Save the Boo-bies’ t-shirts at Halloween and ‘Hunting for a Cure/Save a Rack’ t-shirts. We’ve sponsored ‘Volley for a Cure’ at local high schools, held string art and wine glass painting fundraisers, and ‘Jeans Days’ in our workplaces. Our biggest fundraiser is ‘Bowling for Boobies,’ said Lempke.

When this fundraising campaign began, Lempke thought she’d raise some money, go to Race for the Cure, and her good deed would be done. But there’s more to the story.

“My husband’s side of the family is full of breast cancer. His grandmother, aunt, two sisters, and niece all had breast cancer in their 30’s. At the urging of our then 21-year-old daughter, my husband and daughter did the genetic testing. Both found they carry the BRAC1 genetic mutation which meant she was at a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in her lifetime. At the age of 25, she decided to have a double mastectomy. It broke my heart to have to tell her of my diagnosis, but this was a wake-up call to my family and she’s my hero for facing this head-on and making this decision at such a young age,” said Lempke.

In the 9 years of “Cocktails for a Cure”, three of the members of the team have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“So, I continue to fundraise and participate in the Komen Race for the Cure for my daughter and our niece and their children and the hope of finding a cure before another person in our family or on my team is faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. If you can have ‘fun’ having breast cancer, I can actually say that I have had fun with my team. We’ve created some lasting friendships. In June, we’ll come to the Quad Cities the night before the Race, get a couple hotel rooms, go out to eat, and yes, have a couple cocktails, and get up the next morning and walk with the hope that the money we have raised helps to find a cure, soon,” she said.

Team ‘Cocktails for a Cure’ has raised over $86,000 for the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure since 2010.

Nadine Kroll of is another valued supporter of the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure, and also spearheads a fantastic team for the event.

“Before my diagnosis, I was unfortunately oblivious to breast cancer. I promote awareness. I don’t want women to become familiar with breast cancer by becoming a statistic like I did. I pull out all the stops, asking co-workers, business associates family and friends, and Facebook friends for support. I’m continually amazed at how many people share their reasons for contributing, and how their or someone they love lives have been affected by breast cancer,” said Kroll.

In 2017, the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure raised $69,000 through fundraising alone. Community organizations and programs continually request more than Komen can give, so the fundraising goal for 2018 is $100,000.

To incentivize and reward those who are helping Komen meet its mission, the organization has unveiled the “Save a Pair, Get a Pair” program, with the help of two longtime community partners, Fleet Feet Sports and Necker’s Jewelers.

Anyone who fundraises $50 will receive a $10 gift card to Fleet Feet Sports of Davenport. Fundraisers meeting the $250 benchmark will receive a pair of Patricia Locke earrings from Necker’s Jewelers. And those who raise $500 will be awarded with a pair of New Balance walking or running shoes from Fleet Feet.

“Fleet Feet Sports chooses to support the Quad Cities Race for the Cure and Komen Greater Iowa because we think it’s important to be involved and engaged with organizations that seek to improve quality of life for local residents. The impact that the Quad Cities Race for the Cure has made, both here in the QCA and as a part of the greater Komen network, is astonishing. Specifically, we have a heart for helping to provide financially for the loving assistance and care that is made available by Komen for individuals and families walking through life, battling this wicked disease,” said store owner Phil Young.

“Necker’s Jewelers is excited and proud to support Race for the Cure and many other charitable causes and events in the Quad Cities area. We hope the ‘Save a Pair, Get a Pair’ program encourages others to raise funds for breast cancer services and education,” said Abby Rock, Director of Marketing, Necker’s Jewelers.

To register for the June 9 Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure, as an individual participant or to form a team, visit www.komengreateriowa.org/qcrace. More information on the “Save a Pair, Get a Pair” program is also available online at www.komengreateriowa.org/qcrace/ In addition to this program, there are also specific incentives for fundraising teams, such as a VIP party cabana at the Race. These details can be found at www.komengreateriowa.org/qcrace/.