Breast Cancer Race Draws 10,000+

By Justin Foss, Reporter

Lynne Rothrock, of Cedar Rapids, sings an inspirational song before the start of this year's Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer at Mercy Medical Center on Sunday. More than 10,100 people participated in the race.

Tools

By Justin Foss

CEDAR RAPIDS - They say there's strength in numbers. When it comes to breast cancer, some people say they need all the strength they can get.

For 18 years, a group has gathered to support breast cancer survivors...each year the Especially for You Race grows.

"It's tradition for a lot of people, I think in the community. And unfortunately I think more families are affected by breast cancer it brings out more people every year," said one of the women in the race.

Each person here has their own reason for being here. Allix Davis is here for her mother Deb. Deb died two years ago.

"I think she would be really happy to see everybody out here supporting those with cancer," said Allix.

It's not just women that walk. Andrew Tower is here for his co-workers.

"I work at McKinley Middle School, and we've had some teachers in the past that had breast cancer, and we do it in memory of them every year," said Tower.

Last year they raised $242,000, and this year they're hoping to beat that.

Sunday's turnout was the second largest in 18 years, at 10,194.

Organizers said they brought in $248,819.00.

"I'm just really thankful that a lot of people are out here," said Allix.

Support like this, Allix said, lets her know she's not alone.

The Especially For You Race started after a worker at the General Mills plant in Cedar Rapids died from Breast Cancer.

Since then, General Mills has teamed up with Mercy Medical Center to help women detect breast cancer as early as possible.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG