By: Las Vegas Now Staff
More than $1 million is expected to be raised at this weekend's Race For The Cure, in Downtown Las Vegas. That's a lot of cash, but it doesn't take long to spend it.
With some 22,000 participants expected, Race For The Cure is the area's largest fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation.
Without this colossal fundraising event, some programs would cease to exist. And so would some valuable research.
At last year's Race For The Cure, Rebel Rally for a Cause had 12 runners. This year, they'll have over 200.
The group was formed at the Jean Nidetch Women's Center at UNLV. Breast cancer education is a big part of the center's mission.
Director, Liz Baldizan says Komen grants — totaling $84,000, have allowed the center to cultivate awareness among thousands of young women.
“Our tag line is to support, motivate, educate and empower. So we, as a grantee, and this is our 3rd year now receiving these wonderful funds from the Komen Foundation, it is directed toward education and awareness,” said Baldizan.
Through special events and the distribution of information, Baldizan says they are making a difference in getting women to open up about breast cancer.
Ten local programs have received Komen grants this year, totaling $725,000. But the money trail doesn't end there.
Stacey Gross is programs director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada. She says they've given another $360,000 this year toward national research projects.
Total research dollars this year from all Komen affiliates came to $100 million. “We now fund more breast cancer research than anybody including the government. And that is an incredible accomplishment,” said Gross.
Other services funded by Komen include counseling, financial assistance, and prosthetics.
Several rural areas outside of Clark County also benefit. And Komen funds outreach and screening programs in Nye, Lincoln and Esmerelda counties.
And this Saturday's Race For The Cure makes it all possible.
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