50+ Lifestyles

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Quad Cities Celebrates 30 Year Milestone

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

It’s a huge milestone for the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure~ as it’s the 30th year for the annual Race against breast cancer.

This commemorative, 3.0 and 1.2 mile run/walk is slated for downtown Moline, on Saturday, June 8th.  A pre-Race survivor recognition ceremony and sponsor expo begins around 7 a.m., with both Races starting at 8 a.m.

In celebration of the efforts made by Komen Greater Iowa and the community over the past 30 years, a post-Race party, featuring food trucks and a live band will happen after the Race in the TaxSlayer Parking lot.

Since the inception of the event in the Quad Cities in 1990, more than $6 million has been raised in the fight against breast cancer.  Funds are used to provide mammograms and breast health screenings for women in need, as well as educational programs and much more.  Up to 25 percent of the funds fuel groundbreaking research to help find a cure for breast cancer, which actually affects one of every five women in our
service area.

A group of more than 20 volunteers works year-round to organize the event, handling aspects such as course control, stage program, refreshments, water stations, and more.

Many of the volunteers, like Danielle Morgan, have a personal connection to breast cancer.  The 33-year-old remembers taking care of her great Aunt when she had breast cancer.

“I was only 7 years old when she had treatments, and I stayed with her during the summer.  25 years later, she still has affects from those treatments,” said Morgan, who handles race day management.

The survivor program is an impactful part of the day, as women and men line up behind signs for a photo stating how many years ago they were diagnosed.

64-year-old Terri Reinartz is one of those women.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and served as the honorary survivor chair for the event in 2016. Terri remains involved on the committee.

“It’s such an amazing time to see all the people who’ve made it through.  It’s very encouraging, and I see so many friends.  We celebrate life and don’t dwell on the woes of cancer, but if someone needs support, we are right there with them,” she said.

Registration is available for the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure online at www.komengreateriowa.org/qcrace, or in-person on Friday, June 7th at Packet Pick-up at theTaxSlayer Center, or on Race morning.