Kids Running - Komen CT Race for the Cure.

KOMEN CT RACE FOR THE CURE
If you were given the task of explaining the Susan G. Komen CT Race for the Cure to someone who knew nothing about it, it would be easy to focus on the incredible stories of the survivors and of the tremendous funds raised for breast cancer research. But in doing so, you would overlook a crucial element of the Komen CT Race for the Cure's continued success: the new generation of supporters and participants. In order to truly capture what the CT Race for the Cure is all about, it's best to talk to those who've been doing it their entire lives.

THE NEW GENERATION OF SUPPORTERS
by Jeffrey Warzecha

If you were given the task of explaining the Susan G. Komen CT Race for the Cure to someone who knew nothing about it, it would be easy to focus on the incredible stories of the survivors and of the tremendous funds raised for breast cancer research. But in doing so, you would overlook a crucial element of the Komen CT Race for the Cure's continued success: the new generation of supporters and participants. In order to truly capture what the CT Race for the Cure is all about, it's best to talk to those who've been doing it their entire lives.

Will DeMore, age 16, has been involved with the Komen CT Race for the Cure since he was two years old. "My mom used to push me in a stroller in the 1K walk when I was two," said DeMore, a resident of Middle Haddam, CT. "I think that's the first picture they have of me from the race." Since then, Will has participated in the Race for the Cure every year and began running the competitive race when he was only twelve. "I haven't looked back since," exclaims DeMore, emphasizing how meaningful the race has been to him and his family.

will in stroller

"I run in support of my aunt who is a 21-year survivor. It means a lot to me to help find a cure, plus I run on sports teams so it's a combination of support and liking the activity that I'm doing. Since I'm good at running, I might as well do something good with my talent. I usually complete the course in around 20 minutes now," says DeMore who is currently staying active in preparation for this year's Race. Will is also a member of the Track and Field Team at East Hampton High School and runs both indoor and outdoor competitions.

"I recommend that more teens and young adults around my age be involved with the race because it's for such a great cause. No one is immune from breast cancer - it could happen to anyone. There is something for everyone to do at the event, and it's a really fun race. There are so many tents before and after in Bushnell Park, a ton of free food after you run, and you get to meet so many great people," he said.

Will has run for the past three years with his friend, David Fitol, whose sister, Lindsay Holmes, won last year's Women's Division of the Komen Race. "David and I have grown up together and we run together, though he usually beats me. But when Lindsay won for the women, I thought it was just awesome!"

Will's fondest (and first) memory of the Komen CT Race for the Cure is the arch at the finish line. "You're always happy to reach the end - it's a huge pink balloon arch, right beside the historic Bushnell Park Arch. That's where you see everyone's times as they come over the finish line. It's gratifying to reach the end of the race and know you've done something helpful."

Terryville Brothers
Two other teenagers who have been involved with the Komen CT Race for the Cure since they were infants are Zachary and Nicholas Graham from Terryville, CT. And like Will, their first and most pressing memories are of the Komen CT Race for the Cure arch. Nicholas, now 13, began the race when he was only four and says that his first memory is of the arch at the finish line. "I loved to see my mom at the survivors' recognition stage at the end of the race. I think that's my fondest memory of the race," says Nicholas, who runs in honor of his mother, who is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. "That arch is what you look forward to the whole race."

This year will mark Nicholas' second year running the 5K with a previous best time of 29:00, which he hopes to break. "I also hope to form my own team one year. I would like to see a lot more teens my age get involved with the race because it's such a fun place to be that morning and it's a great way to get out for some exercise."

Nicholas' brother, Zachary, now age 11, began at age two and was also pushed in a stroller by his mom. "I began in a stroller, but what my mom tells me, is that she actually carried me in the KidsK once!" said Zachary.

When asked about his most vivid memory he too remembered the survivors' recognition and the arch. "It's sort of a sign that you did a great thing. But my favorite part is when you get a medal at the end." Zachary says he would like to see more kids his age involved with the Komen CT Race for the Cure and says that, "even though young kids may only run in the shorter KidsK, it still helps raise money, and it's still for such a great cause." Zachary and Nicholas have been a tremendous support to their mom, Robin Graham. Robin said, "It's wonderful to see them run alongside me for 11 years. It's a family thing now - as they run with my nieces, too."

Advice for First-Timers
When asked what someone new to the Komen CT Race for the Cure could do if they wanted to see what it was all about, Zachary said, "I think they could walk the race; don't worry about running it or being fast." And Robin said, "They could even just watch for their first year, because it's amazing to look out over that sea of pink shirts and see groups of women who have fought the battle and are survivors. When you think of all the support for them - from their caretakers and friends - it's just amazing. I think sometimes you can just stand there with your mouth open."

Truly, the best way to explain the Komen CT Race for the Cure is through the eyes of the new generation of participants; those who run in memory or honor of family or friends who have fought the battle. And the best way to capture what the Race will come to mean in the future is through the eyes of the younger participants who will be the ones to raise money for research and awareness and who will form teams and continue to the Race's legacy and make it larger and more successful each year. But perhaps the CT Race for the Cure can best be summarized in Nicholas' words, "You can't go there and not want to sign up or participate. It's such a great cause and the atmosphere just draws you in."

CONTACT INFORMATION

The 2008 Komen CT Race for the Cure will be held on Saturday morning, June 7, in Bushnell Park in Hartford. To register to walk, run, knit, or enter the Kids K, visit komenct.org or call the Race hotline at 860-728-5500.

carolgoodrow@verizon.net