Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. This is a staggering statistic, and many women share their personal stories here. However, it’s important to note that breast cancer can also afflict men, such as Darrell Skaggs.
This year, I was lucky enough to get involved with Dell’s sponsorship of the Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure. For those who aren’t familiar, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a non-profit organization that raises money to fight breast cancer, and Dell has been a sponsor of the Austin affiliate’s annual race since 2005. Having been at Dell just more than a year, it’s been a great opportunity for me to be involved in one of the company’s many unifying philanthropic initiatives. As the presenting sponsor, Dell donates $50,000 to the event, and Dell’s matching program encourages team members to make contributions that are matched 100 percent up to $10,000. So far, 332 Dell team members have registered for the race and collectively raised $31,816 through their own donations and fundraising efforts.
I was initially recruited for the unexpected purpose of photographing a group of Dell Komen volunteers for the back cover of last month’s Austin Fit Magazine. The Dell “Komen Power Team” is composed of individuals from across our company who have volunteered to raise awareness, funds, and morale.These guys have been working hard! Now that the event is drawing closer, I'm calling on all community members to join me in the fun, register for the race and help the effort to find a cure.
Event Details
- When: Sunday, November 13, 2011
- TIMED runners start at 7:30am
- UNTIMED participants may begin their 5K any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
- The start line CLOSES at 10:00am
- Where: The starting line is at the intersection of Congress Avenue and 17th St., near the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The Dell tent will be at the intersection of 18th and Brazos in the parking lot across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Come by the tent before and after the race for raffles, food, and drinks.
- Options: There is a 5K or a one-mile family walk. You may also “Sleep in” for the Cure, More details on that are available here when you register as an individual.
You can register by clicking on this link, which will provide you with the option of either starting a race team, joining an existing team, or registering as an individual. Or, you may donate directly to the cause and even form competing teams to see who can raise the most money. Some of my favorite team names so far have been The Pink Ladies, Dee’s Bust Buddies, and Stop the War in My Rack.
Taking part in this race will also help satisfy two of my personal goals—1) Getting some exercise (you marathon runners reading this: please don’t guffaw at my hesitance towards a 5k jog/walk) and 2) Becoming more active within the community. Maybe some of you can relate. Besides, if there’s an ideal time to participate in a little do-good cardio, it’s when our faithfully laggard Texas summer has officially given way to crisp autumn chills. Don’t forget your pink accessories!
