When pink flags start flying along Homer’s storefronts, it’s a sign that it is time for the Annual Homer Breast Cancer Run! This year’s run will feature several fun changes. To commemorate its 20^th year, the event will be expanded to include both runners and bicyclists and a new beachfront route.

The 20^th Annual Breast Cancer Run and Ride will start at 9 a.m. at Mariner Park during a low -4.3 tide on Sunday August 10^th.  Participants will have the option to run, walk or bike either a 1-mile or 5-mile loop on the beach.  Strollers and dogs on leash are welcome. The event will include local music, food and prizes.

The display of pink flags at local sponsoring businesses, organizations and individual homes is a beloved part of the annual tradition, explained Mary Lou Kelsey, event coordinator and vice president of the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic (KBFPC) board.  “You’ll notice sponsors in town will be displaying their pink flags of support,” Kelsey said. “That support goes beyond emotional and spiritual compassion – it also demonstrates a financial commitment to the health of women here in our community,” she said. Funds raised through the annual event support access to breast cancer screening, treatment, education and other support services provided at no cost through KBFPC.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor the event by displaying one or more pink flags for a $100 donation per flag.  Sponsors will be recognized through a variety of ways depending on the number of flags acquired. Acknowledgement activities include logo placement at the finish line, website links in social media, and listing in post-event thank you advertisements. To sponsor, contact Susan Kaplan, Women’s Health Outreach Manager, at info@kbfpc.org.     

 “All the proceeds from the 20^th annual breast cancer run stay local,” said Heather O’Connor, Director. “The proceeds are used to help ensure access to breast cancer screening services for women in our community. It also builds awareness of the importance of early detection. The event helps our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our friends — right here in the southern Kenai Peninsula area.

More than 2.7 million women in the United States have a history of breast cancer, and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.

“Early detection is absolutely key,” O’Connor said. “Mammograms can help detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage — at times up to a year and a half before the woman can actually feel the lump herself.” The clinic provided 613 clinical breast exams and 164 mammograms last year.

Part of providing those screening and diagnostic services, O’Connor said, is ensuring women have access to wellness visits by keeping the door open to all.  “Generosity from individuals in our community allows us to be flexible in how we serve clients,” she said, “We take pride in being able to serve everyone in our community regardless of ability to pay.”

20^th Annual Breast Cancer Run & Ride

Sunday August 10th, 2014

Mariner Park

8:00 am Day-of Registration Starts

9:00 am Race Starts

To participate in, learn more or pre-register, visit the news and events page at kbfpc.org. Day-of registration and bib pick-up will start at Mariner Park at 8:00 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $35, with kids 12 and under free.

To become a sponsor contact Susan Kaplan at info@kbfpc.org or 235-6736

To volunteer the day of the event, please contact Mary Lou Kelsey at 299-1985 or mlkelsey53@gmail.com.

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