Susan G. Komen’s Portland Race for the Cure Raises Over 2.3 Million

Portland, September 23rd, 2015. A crowd estimated at 16,000 turned out at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for the 24th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Over $2.35 million has been raised so far and the donation keep coming in. “The Portland Race for the Cure brought together more than 1,000 breast cancer survivors and their families, friends and loved ones, along with support from sponsors and the community,” said Andrew Asato, CEO of Komen Oregon & SW Washington.

“With at least 25,000-30,000 underserved people who need our services, we are racing through September 30. And, the support of the community is more important than ever to reach our fundraising goal of $2.5 million,” said Ann Berryman, Director of Development and Communications, Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington.

5K runners coming across the finish line.

The Portland Fire & Rescue fire boat paid tribute to our Race for the Cure survivors and fighters.

The Reflection Garden was inspiring hope and honoring those who have fought and are fighting breast cancer.

These were decorations for the survivor’s tent honoring loved ones.

Mayor Charlie Hales gets into the spirit of the day with the Hula Girls.

Before the race Roxy De La Torre, a KUNP anchor, emceed the Survivor Tribute with an inspirational message from Dr. Reverend T. Bethel and songs performed by gospel singer Julianne Johnson. After the race, the fun continued with music and entertainment by the band Hit Machine. Again, this year, the event had numerous popular Portland food trucks and food and drinks samples from sponsors, games, prizes and merchandise at the Race Village. Planning has already begun for the 2016 Race for the Cure’s 25th anniversary to be held September 18, 2016 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. There are going to be some great surprises and fun to be had.

From Susan G. Komen:

In the last 24 years, the local organization has funneled nearly $19.8 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for access to treatment. Another $11.9 million has been dedicated to local cutting-edge research.

Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Nationally, since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded $2.6 billion in funding to research, screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.