Very First Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Chairperson Recalls an Historic Time

Dear Friends,

Twenty years ago, I had the honor of serving as the first Co-chairperson of the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. We had about 1,900 participants. No Survivors Parade of Pink. A handful of volunteers. And about five sponsors.

Oh, how we've grown!

Just as surviving breast cancer has changed my life, so did that very first, and all subsequent, Komen Race for the Cure events in Philadelphia. They have enriched my life, as well as the lives of hundreds-of-thousands of others - and, in fact, helped saved the lives of potentially millions.

At last year's Race, we greeted more than 100,000 people on Eakins Oval and held a parade for 6,500+ breast cancer survivors, thanks to the generosity of 1,000 volunteers and over 100 sponsors.

Some people ask, "The Race has grown so big, why the need to aim even higher?"
The answer is simple: until every life - of this generation and the next, and the next - can live free from the fear of this disease, we have to.

Your support of the 2010 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure is essential for the continued growth that will empower us to save more lives and bring into reality our vision of a world without breast cancer... not just "at some far-off future time," but quite possibly for your children and grandchildren.

I am still a very active member of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, and we all look forward to embracing you in the excitement and special opportunities of our milestone 20th Anniversary celebration. And, as a breast cancer survivor, I thank you for your support, dedication and passion for the cure.

With sincerest appreciation,

Phyllis Roseman