2008 Texarkana Komen Race for the Cure Slated for October 18

This year's Komen Texarkana, Texas, Race for the Cure kicks off with a Pasta Party and Silent Auction at the Ben and Jane Collins Home for Women on October 18, 2008. Following, the next morning, a VIP Breakfast will be held at the same location for registered Breast Cancer Survivors, media and VIP's, before the Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure kicks off at 8:05 am opening ceremonies. Following the opening ceremonies, many events kick off, including:

* 5K/3.1 mile Run/Jog/Walk

* Kids for the Cure

* Family Fun Stroll

* Awards and Recognition

Other ways to participate include Sleep In For the Cure, sponsored by Hampton Inn Suites, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, which allows those who cannot participate in Race for the Cure to do their part simply by registering and staying at one of the sponsoring hotels on the specified dates. More information is available by contacting Komen Texarkana. Participants in this program will receive a t-shirt and snooze bib for their efforts, and may register individually or as part of a team.

Through the Go the Extra Mile Program, individuals can collect tax deductible donations to go to Komen Texarkana's local efforts, as well. Wednesday, October 15, 2008 is the deadline to register to participate in any of these programs, though award eligible teams must be registered by September 24, 2008. Registration packets are available at www.komen-texarkana.org, along with further information and registration methods.

All this fun and frivolity is fine, but what good comes out of the event? Last year, the Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure was well attended, and raised much needed funds for all kinds of breast-cancer related programs in and around the Texarkana area.

With a whopping total of over $357,000 in grants given as a result of Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure, Atlanta Memorial Hospital received nearly $23,000 for their Early Detection and Education Project. Christus St. Michael's received over $123,000 for their Cancer Treatment Center Breast Care Outreach Program, and Wadley Regional Medical Center received over $147,000 for their TAKE CHARGE project.

Little River Memorial Hospital and UAMS AHEC Southwest received a combined $60,000 for their efforts to fight breast cancer. Girl Scouts of Conifer Council received $4,100 to use for their Breast Health Education program, to teach girls the basics and importance of self-exams, and breast health. When a community comes together to make a difference, the results can be amazing. Let's hope this year produces another fabulously funded grant source to help our daughter, sisters and mothers defeat the fear and uncertainty that breast cancer can cause.