A Sea Of Pink Ribbons

Woodward Avenue turned into a sea of pink ribbons when tens of thousand walked and ran through the streets in Detroit. This was in support of the fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and to raises public awareness of breast cancer.

Thousands of men and women gathered under the sunny skies and joined various programs including walking, jogging and running long distances. The walk and run stated at Woodward and ended at Comerica Park. The morning presented a mixture of sweetness and bitterness as the participants enjoyed the triumphs and remembered their loved ones who lost their lives to breast cancer.

Jan Tevelman, a 55-year-old Sterling Heights resident, has participated for nine years, since her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

This year, Tevelman was a volunteer coordinator for various teams in the event. Her sister died six years ago and as a number of as 176 friends and relatives have since run the race in her honor.

"It was a wonderful, wonderful day," Tevelman said. "It means so much to my family to be here. Lots of my sister's friends and co-workers come and join us. It is a wonderful tribute".

In 1982 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded by Nancy Brinker as a way to honor her sister, who died of the disease at age 36.

"Despite tremendous progress, there is still much work to be done in the fight against breast cancer," said Dr. John C. Ruckdeschel, president and CEO of the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, which presented the race.

Last year a record 30,000 people participated in Metro Detroit and raised more than $1 million. Official totals for this year were not immediately available, but organizers believe more than 25,000 people participated. Similar events are held nationwide.



Posted by: Janet    Source