Pink it up, 'Tie One On'

The Family Circle Tennis Center is getting pinker by the day, and gearing up once again to host one of the Lowcountry’s most moving (literally and figuratively) events of support and celebration. The 22nd annual Race for the Cure takes place on Saturday, October 17, and more than 5,000 participants will be making the 5K journey for breast cancer research, education, and outreach. Last year, Susan G. Komen raised more than $450,000 from the Race, and this year’s goal is $500,000. The annual numbers are impressive, to be sure, but even more compelling is the aggregate good provided to the cause, particularly as it relates to our “home front.” The Komen Lowcountry affiliate has invested more than $6.5 million in its 17-county service area to provide breast cancer screenings, treatment, survivor support services and breast health education to those in need. And seventy-five percent of net proceeds raised by the Lowcountry chapter stays in our local communities, while the remaining income goes to groundbreaking breast cancer research conducted nationwide. The Race for the Cure also has a well-earned reputation as a true family event, with activities for all ages. In 2014, the Kids for the Cure dash for kids ages 6 to 12 was introduced, where parents are encouraged to run with their children or have someone meet them at the finish line by the stadium. “Too many families throughout the Lowcountry have been affected somehow by breast cancer,” states Lisa Jones, Marketing and Events Manager for Susan G. Komen Lowcountry. “By getting the whole family involved in the Race, we are taking steps together to get that much closer to ending breast cancer forever.” New this year is the Tie One On party, a community-wide kick-off soiree to take place on Thursday, October 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. The whole family is invited to a fun evening with entertainment from local bands, kids activities, and a very special Survivor Celebration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Circle Tennis Center. Local eats and treats will be available for purchase from food and beverage trucks. In addition, race registration (a final chance to sign up before the price increases by $5) and packet pick-up will begin at 5 p.m. Another component added for 2015 is the I AM THE CURE initiative, an educational piece aimed at motivating people to take steps of real action that may reduce their risk of breast cancer. “It speaks to the importance of early detection and healthy living,” states Jones, “while encouraging everyone to make a lasting ‘Curemitment’ to their breast health.” On Race day, participants and supporters are encouraged to stop by the Komen Lowcountry’s interactive I AM THE CURE booth to learn more about breast self-awareness and how to make that “Curemitment.” Visitors can spin the wheel for prizes and take home breast health education information. “All throughout the Race, you’ll hear our ‘Cure Leaders’ cheering on Race participants,” Jones avows, “and reminding everyone that we all have the power to be part of the cure!” Team and online individual race registration has closed, though individuals may still register at in person at Thursday’s Tie One On event, or at the Tennis Center on Friday from noon to 6 p.m. or the morning of the Race from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Race for the Cure will be held rain or shine. The only race day parking available on Daniel Island will be the lots at Benefitfocus and Blackbaud. Once on Daniel Island, visitors will be directed to these lots. Shuttles begin running from Charleston Area Convention Center’s Parking Lot A and Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the Race expo at 6:30 a.m. The last shuttles depart Daniel Island at 11 a.m. For more information on Susan G. Komen Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Race for the Cure, or the I AM THE CURE initiative, visit lowcountry.info-komen.org.