Thousands Fight Cancer With "Komen Race For The Cure"

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:43 pm

By: News On 6

Thousands were on Tulsa streets Saturday morning. They were walking for a cure to breast cancer. It was the annual Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure. The event raises money and awareness to fight the disease. News on Six reporter Chris Wright reports more than 9,500 people showed up to walk or run the event in South Tulsa. For many, the trek down 81st Street was part of a longer journey.

Among the crowd on Saturday were dozens of breast cancer survivors, all of whom were wearing special pink shirts, including Lana Hamilton.

â€œSo many people that I know, my close friends and family members have been impacted by breast cancer, so everyone's support and just knowing that there's a future of not having breast cancer for anyone is just worth everything," breast cancer survivor Lana Hamilton said.

"It's just so wonderful to see all the young people out cheering, cheering us on to keep on going and to live strong," Linda Vaught, another survivor explained.

Also sporting a pink shirt was Six in the Morning anchor LeAnne Taylor, a breast cancer survivor who spent the past few months organizing her own team for the event.

LeAnne's Team, which included dozens of people who signed up at KOTV.com, was part of an increased turnout for the race. Thirty percent more people participated this year than did last year. All told, the event raised more than half-a-million dollars for breast cancer research, the majority of which will be spent in Tulsa.

â€œWe have to make a difference so that generations to come don't have to go through this like some do today," explained Jill Corey, the race co-chairperson.

Besides raising awareness and money for those fighting the disease, the event also honored those who have already beaten it.

"It's just encouraging to come out and see all the women, like I said, who have gone before us, and to see the people we're walking in memory of, it's just an honor to be here," said Chris Headrick, a cancer survivor.

Race organizers say money from last year's race helped detect and treat more than 40 cases of breast cancer in Green Country. In addition, three quarters of the money raised in Tulsa will stay here, the other 25% will be given to Susan G. Komen National Foundation.

For more information on the event, how you can donate, and LeAnne Taylorâ€™s personal fight against cancer, click here.

Watch the video: Komen Race For The Cure