Glenda Williams needed a mammogram, but she didn’t have insurance, and couldn’t afford to pay for the screening on her own. Through a church-based breast health program funded by the Charleston, SC Race for the Cure, she was able to get the mammogram she needed for free.

Williams’ mammogram was negative, but many women aren’t so lucky. According to the American Cancer Society, 178,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 43,500 will die.

Through the same education program, Sandy Swing learned why women need regular clinical checkups and yearly mammograms after age 40. In fact, research reveals that the mortality rate could decrease by 30 percent if all women age 50 and older in need of a mammogram had one.

Swing also invited other women she knew to the program so they could be better informed. “One lady I work with was 62 years old and had never had a mammogram,” she said. “I feel like I can take this information (the program) has provided me with and help someone else know the importance of early detection and how to prevent breast cancer.”

Your participation in the fifth annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Charleston, SC Race for the Cure at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 will raise funds to promote programs like these which provide breast cancer screening, education and awareness among the medically underserved of our state. The Co-Ed 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk will start and finish at the Old Museum Ruins in Cannon Park.

Seventy-five percent of proceeds from the Charleston race are allocated to organizations throughout the lower half of South Carolina funding vital breast health projects. The remaining 25 percent helps fund the Komen Foundation’s National Grant Program. Programs funded by the Charleston, SC Race for the Cure have educated thousands of South Carolina women about breast cancer. Hundreds have also received free mammograms.

Working through local chapters and Race for the Cure events in 86 cities, the mission of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

“Thanks to the enthusiasm and generous support of local businesses and the community, the Charleston Race for the Cure has returned $215,000 to South Carolina organizations since the first race was held in 1994,” said Anne Frampton Smith, 1998 chair of the Charleston race.

The 5K entry fee for adults is $20 through the day of the race. The 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk is $15 through the day of the race.

For more information about the Charleston, SC Race for the Cure, call (843)792-9186. To find out about becoming a volunteer, call (843) 792-5138. Or check out the Charleston, SC Race for the Cure web site at <http://hcc.musc.edu/race4cure> for registration forms and other information.

Attention breast cancer survivors

The Charleston, SC Race for the Cure invites you to attend the MCI Celebration Luncheon honoring Lowcountry breast cancer survivors at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at Charleston Place.

Breast cancer survivors who would like to attend at no charge should call 792-9186 for more information. Spaces are limited. If you are not a breast cancer survivor, and would like to attend, you can purchase a ticket for $35 per person, or a reserved table for 10 for $350. Proceeds from the luncheon support the Charleston, SC Race for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer.

Call 792-9186 for more information.