About the Columbus, Ohio Komen Breast Cancer Walk

The Susan Komen for the Cure organization has been active in Columbus, Ohio since 1993. Events are held year round to lead up to the race and to help support women, men and family members who are dealing with breast cancer. 2009 marks the 17th year of the Race for the Cure in Columbus, Ohio. The national Susan G. Komen Foundation was founded by Nancy Brinker. Nancy started the foundation as a promise to her sister who helped others while she herself was dying of breast cancer. Nancy started the foundation in 1982. Since its start the Susan G. Komen Foundation has raised approximately $1 billion toward education and a cure for breast cancer.

According to Susan G. Komen Foundation, "nearly 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2008." Approximately 2,030 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Across all ages, breast cancer is the most common disease that challenges women. Age is more of a contributing factor to a woman getting breast cancer than is hereditary.

The actual walk takes place in mid-May in Columbus, Ohio in downtown Columbus. The race is five kilometers, or about three miles. The course route starts on West Long Street by Northbank Park, then goes to the Arena District and moves to Goodale Park. From there the route traverses Buttles Avenue toward the Convention Center. The route goes down North High Street and ends at City Hall.

Registration for the walk is now open. If you are interested in participating in the walk, you can register at the Columbus affiliate website. American Airline ticket giveaways will be rewarded to winning team captains and racers who raise the most pledges and donations. Interested persons can also make donations online at the Columbus affiliate website.

According to the Komen Columbus Affiliate official website, since the Columbus branch started in 1993 it has, "Raised over $13 million since it began in 1993 -- 75 percent of that money stays in its 23-county service area and is used to conduct breast cancer education, screening and treatment. The other 25 percent goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to fund national breast cancer research programs." The Columbus branch is one of the leading affiliates in the national organization. Nationally the races benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. The organizations help to educate women and men about breast cancer and the importance of self-exams and mammograms. The organizations also provides care to patients and spearheads scientific research efforts to find a cure for the disease.