Oct. 1, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: MARSHA TAPSCOTT

(662) 377-3148

Visit www.nmhs.net for an electronic version of this article.

KOMEN NORTH MISSISSIPPI RACE FOR THE CURE®

PLANS SPECIAL RECOGNITION

FOR AREA BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

TUPELO, Miss. – Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure® is looking to recognize a special group of people – breast cancer survivors.

“We celebrate survivorship at all Komen Race for the Cure® events because it offers an experience of encouragement and solidarity to all who live with breast cancer,” said Ellen Friloux, Race chair. “Survivor participation is a moving and vital component of Race day activities. It also increases public awareness of the need to raise funds for research and education.”

The seventh annual Celebrate Life Survivor Luncheon will be held at noon Thursday, Oct. 21, at Harrisburg Baptist Church. The event is free for all breast cancer survivors. Guest tickets will be available at the luncheon for $10. The luncheon will be catered by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar. Seating will be limited so advance registration is requested. Call (662) 377-4903 or 1-800-843-3375 for reservations.

Breast cancer survivors also are encouraged to participate in the Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure® 5K run/walk or the one-mile Fun Run/Walk, planned for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Mall at Barnes Crossing. Both events pay special tribute to breast cancer survivors and are affiliated with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s National Race for the Cure® series.

Survivors who are registered for the Race or the Fun Run/Walk will receive a complimentary pink cap and T-shirt in their registration packet. A complimentary group photo of breast cancer survivors will be taken at 7 a.m. on Race day and will be available at the Survivor Tent following the awards ceremony.

North Mississippi Medical Center, WTVA, WKDH and WLOV, and Clear Channel Radio are local presenting sponsors for the 2004 Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure®.

Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds from the 2004 North Mississippi Race will be used to fund breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs for medically under-served women in 15 counties in north Mississippi. At least 25 percent of the net proceeds fund the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Award and Research Grant Program for national research to find a cure for breast cancer. The grant program is regarded as one of the most innovative and responsive programs in breast cancer today. Last year’s event in Tupelo raised approximately $97,500 with $73,000 of the proceeds remaining in this area and $24,500 sent to the Komen Foundation’s Award and Research Grant Program.

“We invite families, groups of friends and teams from area churches and businesses to join together in a cause that is deeply personal,” Friloux said. “The race against breast cancer is a race that must be won.”

The registration fee is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. For added convenience, online registration for individuals is available at www.msraceforthecure.org. For more information on the survivor luncheon or to request a Race registration form, call (662) 377-4903 or 1-800-843-3375.

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