LAGOS, Nigeria – Deployment has not stopped Africa Partnership Station Nashville Sailors from helping in the fight against cancer, as a group participated in a Race for the Cure event held at the American International School in Lagos, Nigeria, March 21.
Forty-one Sailors and Marines from USS Nashville and the embarked APS staff of Destroyer Squadron 60 and international maritime professionals participated in the 5k run.
Hosted by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the race series is held each month in more than 100 cities nationwide, with more than 1 million participants who raise tens of millions of dollars to support research and treatment of breast cancer.
"It's a small contribution that we are providing, but everything adds up," said Lt. Brandon Le, an Africa Partnership Station action officer. "It's a collaborative effort and maybe as a whole we can find a way to cure cancer."
According to the foundation, 40,000 women die each year because of breast cancer. It is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.
The race did more than just help raise money for research, however. The run was able to bring the community together, as well as break the monotony of living abroad.
"Here in Lagos, we look for a lot of things to do to keep people busy," said Tom Shearer, American International School superintendent. "Things like softball tournaments or the Race for the Cure brings the American community closer with the locals. It's a community partnership bonding experience as well as for a good cause."
The runners all had different reasons for running - some enjoyed the competition, some like the workout of a 5k race, but some had serious, personal reasons to participate.
"As a breast cancer survivor, I want to personally thank everyone who has donated, as well as all of the runners," said Capt. Cindy Thebaud, APS commander.
As in all races there is a winner, with Nashville Supply Officer Lt. Cmdr. Michael Ryan taking first place.
Nashville is currently deployed with APS, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa.
To learn more about APS, please visit www.c6f.navy.mil/apshome.html.