Runners Race For The Cure

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa's Komen Race for the Cure drew people from across the country.  The Race for the Cure started in Tulsa 12 years ago with about 1,200 runners.  The race director registered those people by hand at his kitchen table.

Now, the event's grown by 1000%.  Participants say it doesn't matter if you're a survivor or a supporter, the event is important for so many reasons.

But, the race is never about the clock.

"To see those women out here today with those pink shirts, the survivors. That's what it's all about today. Honoring those ladies that are out there today wearing those pink shirts," said race director Jack Wing.

The Susan Komen Race For the Cure has been a Tulsa tradition for the last decade.  Every one of the men and women in the race has a story.

Saturday's race was the first for Leslie Elliott.  She's part of a group honoring Jan Devin, who passed away just two months ago.  Leslie was Jan's best friend.

"It's something I'll do from now on just in her memory. And, also for the cure. She was just a special person.  Touched everybody's lives," said Leslie Elliot.

"Every time I see all those pink shirts, I just get tears in my eyes," said Renie Francis, cancer survivor.

There were women from Houston who are survivors.  They've been without power for two weeks because of Hurricane Ike.  But, they say the support in Tulsa has been above-and-beyond.

"I have not been around any place that has been friendlier than this city," said Renie Francis.

Jack Wing has been in charge of the race for 12 years.  He signed on for a one-year stint.

"I got a wife. Three daughters-in-law. And, a granddaughter. So, I have five great reasons to continue to do this race. And, we're going to beat it. We're going to beat breast cancer," said race director Jack Wing.

Jack Wing says that because of last year's race, scores of Tulsa women were able to get mammograms who otherwise couldn't afford them.  Early stages of breast cancer were detected in more than 40 women.

After those women were diagnosed, the Komen Foundation was able to help pay for their treatment.

The numbers are still being tabulated, but this year's event raised about $750,000.  That will help many more local women get the medical care they need.

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