More than 7,000 come together for 32nd annual Komen race in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The 32nd Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure was Saturday morning at North Bank Park.
More than 7,500 participants gathered and raised more than $800,000 for breast cancer research and treatment. NBC4 is a proud sponsor of the race that brings community members together.
“This community is just something special. The breast cancer community rallies around each other,” said Lindsay Collins, executive director of Susan G. Komen Columbus.
Breast cancer survivor Misty Martin said seeing how much money is raised each year shows just how important the event can be. She was diagnosed in 2022 and finished treatment last year. She used to do the race even before her diagnosis.
“It is so important to find a cure so that my loved ones, my daughters, don’t have to go through this," Martin said. "So making people aware, raising funds to find research and find a cure is so near and dear to my heart. Now, it’s such a different feeling in my heart being on the other side."
Joe Wilson was also on the other side of the event this year. He has participated for at least a decade due to breast cancer running in his family. Now he is part of the fight after being diagnosed four years ago.
“You know your body the best and be an advocate for yourself," he said. "I wish I would have done it sooner but I know now and I try to help others to realize that as well."
According to the American Cancer Society, less than one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men. He says while it’s unlikely, it is still important for men to get checked if they feel something is wrong.
Click here for more information on the Komen Race for the Cure.