Web Extra: Komen Race for the Cure Facts
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 19, 2012
Komen Race for the Cure Facts
- The Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure has been held for 18 years and has raised more than $19 million, funding grants and educational programs which have provided support and information focused on early detection to thousands of Arkansas women and their families.
- The first race held in 1994, had 2,200 participants.
- The most recent 18th anniversary race, had 44,400 participants.
- The Race provides an opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle.
- Dr. Suzanne Klimberg at UAMS was part of a group of researchers who received a $4.5 million grant from Komen two years ago. They are working to use flaxseed to find a vaccine for certain types of breast cancer.
- Of the money raised through the Race, 75-percent stays in Arkansas to fund grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically under-served women.
- The remaining 25-percent funds national research grants to find cures for breast cancer.
- Over the past 18 years the Arkansas Affiliate has given $4 million to research and $12.25 million to statewide grant programs.
