To show my support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to focus on things that are happening locally in Maryland. One of my friends, Cait Fultz, is a journalism student at Towson University and has decided to take part in the 2009 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. Here’s what she had to say regarding the event.
MH: So tell me about the race and what it’s for?
CF: This race is for raising money for breast cancer and raising breast cancer awareness. Survivors come out to the walk as well as anyone to support the cause.
MH: Where is the race taking place and at what time?
CF: It’s in Hunt Valley and the race starts at 8 am for the 5k run. There will be different tents, people giving aways stuff and afterwards they’ll have food.
MH: Have you ever ran this race before?
CF: I have actually. I did it, I think, in high school. A friend and I did it and we walked it. We said we should run it next time.
MH: Is anyone close running with you?
CF: My boyfriend is running with me. This was his idea actually. His brother and girlfriend are doing it. My dad and his fiance, my sister and possibly a friend, and I think three of my aunts. We sent an email out to the family saying “Hey! I’m doing this. Get in shape now!”
MH: How have you been preparing for the run?
CF: I decided to do it in September and kept telling myself to go the gym. My boyfriend and I tried one day, but got so out of breath and started walking. It’s hard with a busy schedule.
MH: What made you decide to run this race?
CF: I want to do it because my mom actually had ovarian cancer, which spread to her breasts. She beat the breast cancer, but not the ovarian. She battled with it for five years until she passed away in 2006.
MH: Why do you think so many people come out for the run and other events like this and what does it all mean for these people?
CF: I think so many people come out for the run because nowadays if you ask if they know someone who has breast cancer, chances are they answer ‘Yes.’ I can’t say what it means for them because I think it is really [based on the] individual, but for me, it is overwhelming and comforting at the same time. Cancer has lead me to ask ‘who’s next?’ But, seeing all the people at the race who care makes me think we are moving in the right direction to find a cure.
To show your support for Cait and Race for the Cure, you can make a contribution on Cait’s donation page.
Beauty UnSilenced 