| Photo: Oregon NORML |
| About a dozen members of Oregon NORML proudly marched in the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen “Race For The Cure” in Portland on Sunday. |
As long as breast cancer exists, the finish line has not been reached, but each year’s Komen race brings it closer
By Michael Bachara, Hemp News
Inspiration was in the air on Sunday, September 19 at the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” in Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, Oregon. An estimated 40,000 people, including over 3,500 breast cancer survivors, walked, raced and ran, bringing awareness and raising millions in the name of breast cancer research.
Showing their pride as the emcee acknowledged their participation, about a dozen marchers were from the Oregon Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Their slogan was: “It’s NORML to Race for the Cure.”
“This is Oregon NORML‘s first year to have a team in the race,” said Anna Diaz of Oregon NORML. “As a team, we are going to do the untimed one-mile walk.”
“We want to inspire and challenge other NORML chapters to participate in their community’s race.,” said another NORML team member. “We walk for all NORML members and their families who are fighting or have fought breast cancer. I am very proud of our team this afternoon. With the determination I saw from this community, it’s only a matter of time before a cure is found.”
The event is an educational outreach and often spiritual pilgrimage, packaged with a serious effort to battle the epidemic of breast cancer within our society. To date, the Oregon NORML team has raised more than $1,400.00 for the cause, money that will help women across the state have access to free mammograms. Part of the key to fighting breast cancer is early detection, and providing access is a positive step forward.
Komen partners with the states of Oregon and Washington to fund free screening programs for individuals with limited incomes and who are uninsured or under-insured and who are:
1) In Oregon, women who are 50-64 years old
2) Women under 50 with symptoms that may indicate breast cancer
3) Men of all ages with symptoms that may indicate breast cancer (Oregon only)
4) In Washington, women who are 40-64 years of age who meet eligibility criteria.
To find out if you qualify and obtain an appointment:
• Oregon residents: 1.877.255.7070
• SW Washington residents: 1.800.992.1817
The Susan G. Komen Foundation is dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. You can donate in the name of the ‘NORML People’ team through the Susan G. Komen website.