World’s Fastest Female Olympian, Carmelita Jeter, Joins 2014 Race for the Cure – Are You Ready?

Nowadays, it seems like we’re all touched by breast cancer. You may know a friend with the disease, or a family member who survived the great fight against breast cancer. Carmelita “The Jet” Jeter, a three-time Olympic medalist, has close ties to the breast cancer community and a family history, having lost her aunt and cousin to the disease.  As an influential personality, Carmelita is using her personal experience to raise awareness for this disease and to speak up for the women and men that are fighting the battle against breast cancer every day. This year, Carmelita will be sounding the official starting horn and sharing her ties to breast cancer at the 2014 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure on Sept 28.

Not only is Carmelita an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen® Circle of Promise California Initiative, a statewide campaign to address breast cancer disparities in the African American community, but she has also been involved with several other breast cancer initiatives throughout her career. Our hope is that Carmelita can inspire each of us to stand up against breast cancer – to help save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Are you interested in meeting Carmelita Jeter before the Race and joining Komen Orange County in the fight to end breast cancer in our community? Come out to the Registration Tent on Saturday, Sept 20, at 9:45 a.m. for a special “meet and greet” with Carmelita.

Or sign up online for this year’s Race and find out more information about the big day at www.komenoc.org/race.

Susan G. Komen Orange County Kicks Off #OCTutuTour

We kicked off our first #OCTutuTour on the steps of the Pacific Life building yesterday to raise awareness and support for our 23 annual Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure®. More than 30 tutu-clad Orange County business executives, volunteers, Race team members and residents with “I Tutu for…” signs joined together to bring awareness to the importance of breast health and encourage registration for the 2014 Race for the Cure. Pink Tie Guys, Khanh Tran and Ed Arnold made appearances in their pink tutus to help support Susan G. Komen Orange County and the OC Tutu Tour! It was a “Sea of Pink,” as the lively crowd of women, men and children donned pink tutus and energetically rallied for registrants.

Khanh Tran, President of Pacific Life, leading the way at the Tutu Tour kick-off

The goal is to take pictures of as many people (men, women and children) in pink tutus highlighting why they Race for the Cure to share via social media with hashtag #OCTutuTour. Several notable personalities have agreed to join our Tutu Tour, including E! News host, Ali Fedotowsky, Twitch Boss from So You Think You Can Dance and some of the Real Housewives of OC.

Those interested in sporting pink tutus to support the #OCTutuTour and bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer are encouraged to participate. Need a tutu? No problem. Email us at jguevara@komenoc.org and we’ll get one to you. Race for the Cure Team Captains can use tutu photos to inspire their team members, and Corporate Teams are encouraged to ask company executives to pose for a tutu photo to demonstrate support and team-building. Send us your tutu pictures today and don’t forget to hashtag #OCTutuTour!

First Male Committee Chair Brings New Dimensions to 2014 Race for the Cure

This year, we are proud to announce Doug McKay as the first male Race chair for our 23rd annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. This year’s Race theme is, “Race for Impact, Race for Breakthroughs, and Race for Futures”. Doug will be leading the efforts for our largest annual fundraising event to inspire action and hope for all those who have been touched by breast cancer.

Doug lost his wife to cancer at the age of 27. He has been through the challenges that a family has to overcome when faced with cancer and carries an understanding and passion for those who encounter similar situations in their lives.

As Race Committee Chair, Doug hopes to follow in the footsteps of individuals who have done an excellent job of laying the ground work. He will work alongside Komen OC staff in strategic planning, leading monthly race committee meetings, visiting Race Teams and speaking on behalf of the organization and its mission of ending breast cancer forever.

Doug has been volunteering with us for the past three years, and this year, he is revitalizing the traditional Race by adding new dimensions aimed at inspiring support from future generations – and also helping to raise critical funds for local breast health services, education and outreach. New to the 2014 race is a One-Mile Fun Run and Family Walk, and all children who register for the event will receive pink shoelaces.

Along with leading the 2014 Race for the Cure, Doug is also involved with multiple non-profits – from health, social services, education and art-based nonprofits – in his role as District Grant Chair at Macy’s, where he oversees Macy’s district and community grants all across Orange County.

Impact | Breakthroughs | Futures is this year’s theme for the Race for the Cure Orange County.  Doug and his team are working toward a goal of 20,000 registered participants, looking to exceed last year’s totals.  Awareness and involvement are key in achieving this goal.  Either as an individual or team, your participation makes a difference.

Haven’t registered yet? Do so today by visiting: www.komeoc.org/race. What inspires you to Race for the Cure? Share with us in the comments below!

Upcoming Events

July 24 – Team Captain Interactive Workshop at Noon and 6 p.m.

Team Captains and Co-Captains are invited to join us to learn more and ask questions about leading a Race for the Cure Team. To attend, RSVP to teams@komenoc.org.

August 10 – Survivor Celebration & Awards Luncheon

Celebrate breast cancer survivors and recognize our awards recipients for their outstanding commitment to the Komen promise of saving lives and ending breast cancer forever. Tickets are $35 per person / table of 8 is $280.