Engineers construct foundation for cancer awareness with 5k run

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Valentine | Sgt. Jasmin Thompson (left) an administration noncommissioned officer assigned to Company A, and Sgt. Maria Riser, a paralegal assigned to Company B, both under Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division, proudly show off their T-shirts after completing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, May 15. The race, sponsored by 16th Engineer Brigade, United States Division - Center, was intended to help raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.15.2010

Story by Sgt. Phillip Valentine 

366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD – The first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held in Dallas in 1983 with more than 800 runners participating.

In 1991, the first pink ribbons were distributed to recognize breast cancer survivors at the Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure, becoming the symbol for breast cancer awareness. At the close of 2002, more than 1.3 million people participated in more than 100 races around the United States and two foreign countries.

On May 15 this year, almost 2,000 people attended a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k shadow race, hosted by 16th Engineer Brigade, United States Division – Center, at Camp Liberty in Iraq.

The Komen Race for the Cure series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.

The coordinator for the race, Lt. Col. Jane Lengel, the 16th Eng. Bde., equal opportunity advisor, and supported by Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said they had a specific goal for the race that many took to heart.

"Our goal was to help raise awareness to find a cure for this disease," said Lengel. "It devastates so many families and has a serious impact on so many people's lives. I think the people [who] came out today had a personal reason to be here; either to come out with a team with people in their section or breast cancer had affected them personally through a family member, friend, loved one or coworker."

The Camp Liberty event was a shadow of a run held in Columbus, Ohio the same day, which broke the Columbus Komen run record with 50,286 participants.

According to Lengel, the Liberty run drew the same enthusiasm as one of the largest gatherings of people for any run she has seen here so far. She hopes this experience will encourage people to continue participating in the cause, either through direct involvement, or enlisting others to support it until a cure is found.

Brig. Gen. Glenn Hammond, a Williamsburg, Ky., native and commanding general for 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C, said he lost his mother to breast cancer, so events that raise awareness have a special place in his heart.

"The cure for breast cancer will not be found by one person," said Hammond. "It will be a team effort. That is what today is about."

Hammond was not alone. There were several service members attending the 5-kilometer run that have felt the effects of cancer on their lives.

Sgt. Sharon Frederick, a Columbus, Ohio, native, assigned to the Intelligence Support Element, United States Forces – Iraq, said she had lost her grandmother to breast cancer. When she heard about the run, she asked two friends to go with her for support. They agreed and several e-mails later the support grew until almost 40 people joined her and created, "Team Ta-Ta."

"It's a good feeling just looking out at the crowd," said Frederick. "They came out to support others and something that is much bigger than themselves."

Many found other ways to help the cause. Volunteers came out in large numbers to help set up the run course, hand out T-shirts and register runners.

Sgt. Anthony Cain, a Columbus, Ohio, native and assistant supply sergeant assigned to 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C, handed out much-needed nourishment to the exhausted runners. He said he was grateful to be part of an event like this.

"In this environment of fellowship and camaraderie, you can step outside your job for a while and share stories to start a spark in someone," he said. "It also brings a feeling of home. It's good for the spirit and the soul."

According to Lengel, there were so many volunteers some had to be turned away. She said this was the first time she had seen that happen.

"It was an amazing group of volunteers that helped pull it all together," she said. "It's remarkable that people got up so early to set this up and make it such a successful event."

"It was a worthwhile event and it was very rewarding to see so many people come together for this cause," said Lengel. "I am proud to have been a part of it and to have worked with the 16th Engineer Brigade to sponsor such a successful event. I hope we can make a difference."

• Date Taken: 05.15.2010
• Date Posted: 05.17.2010 09:40
• Story ID: 49802
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ