JANELLE STRAWSBURG
Staff Writer
Balloons waved merrily in the sky. Banners lined the streets. Crowds swarmed the sidewalks. Thousands of supporters gathered in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island to take part in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Annual Race for a Cure.
Participants could take part in the women’s five kilometer run and walk, a coed five kilometer run and walk, as well as a one mile fun walk. During the festivities the ceremony specifically recognized those in the crowd who were survivors of breast cancer.
The varsity, junior varsity and frosh/soph Mater Dei girl’s volleyball teams came out to walk in memory of their former teammate Andi Collins. Andi, diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2002, lost her life in 2003 when she was 16 years old. However her memory and courage still pulses within the team.
“We do this race for the inspiration,” said Senior outside hitter Lauren Hughes. “Because she was really inspiring for us, that’s why we’re here, to do it for her.”
“She was a great role model,” said senior middle blocker Lily Lopez. “She balanced both school and volleyball and was just a really good person, everyone admired her.”
The morning was about remembering but it was also a time of celebration. Members of Santa Ana’s Segerstrom High School’s Cheer squad came out in full force to encourage the runners.
“We want to motivate them,” said Junior Melissa Mazariegos. “We want them to keep running because this is a great cause.”
The girls’ chanting cries of “I am the Cure” are a part of a new Komen Foundation education program. The program is designed to encourage women to become more aware about the risks of breast cancer as well as to take a more active role in their breast health.
The event, in its 15th year, was a huge success, garnering over $1.2 million to aid in the finding a cure for breast cancer.
09-27-2006