Courtesy: event press release

Calling all men! For the first time ever, Houston's largest foot-racing event, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Houston Race for the Cure(R) on October 4, 2003, in the Galleria/Uptown Houston area, is inviting male runners to compete, along with female runners, in the 5K component of the Race. The change is in response to an overwhelming number of requests from the community to include men, not only because they provide critical support in the fight against breast cancer, but also due to the growing number of men with the disease.

"The Komen Houston Race for the Cure(R) is a unique event designed to promote positive awareness, education and early detection of breast cancer, and to raise funds for breast cancer research in Houston and surrounding communities," said Jane Lightfield, Komen Houston Race for the Cure(R) Chair. "It is critical that every segment of the community is actively involved in this pursuit."

Last year, the Komen Houston Race for the Cure(R) attracted 22,000 participants. More than 25,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate this year for a net goal of raising $1.2 million for breast cancer research, education, screening, treatment and support programs.

In addition to the new Competitive Co-ed 5K event, the Race will also include a Co-ed 5K Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Family Walk.

All Race participants are invited to fill up on carbs at the pre- race Pasta Party on Thursday, October 2, 2003, from 7-10 p.m. at The Westin Galleria, located at 5060 West Alabama. Food will be provided compliments of Carrabba's Italian Grill and entertainment will be provided by El Orbits. Featuring a silent auction, the Pasta Party is $25 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Komen Houston Race for the Cure(R). A cash bar will be available as well.

In honor of breast cancer survivors, Houstonians can help paint the town pink with pink flags by making a $25 contribution per flag. Each flag will include a survivor's name and will be placed along the Race route on Post Oak Boulevard. Also, as in years past, the Memorial Birds will be released during the opening ceremonies of the Race in memory of those who have lost the battle to breast cancer. The names and digital photos (optional) of those being remembered will be displayed at the Race on a large screen. Contributions are $60 per bird. With the help of our Race sponsors, The Komen Houston Affiliate has, to date, granted $5 million to more than 40 local, qualified organizations in the greater Houston area that reach the medically underserved. Among the Komen Houston Affiliate grant recipients is The Rose, a non-profit breast healthcare center providing cancer screening, diagnosis and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay.

"Every major step The Rose has taken has been made available by the Komen Houston Affiliate and the money it raises through the Komen Houston Race for the Cure(R) and other local fundraisers," said Dorothy Weston, executive director of The Rose. "They have allowed us to offer the finest services using the best equipment to every woman in the greater Houston area, no matter what the patient can or cannot afford to pay. Our partnership with the Komen Houston Affiliate is a blessing, allowing women to turn to The Rose with confidence."

This year, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Komen Race for the Cure(R), the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. The first event of its kind, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) was created in 1983 by Nancy Brinker, who established the Komen Foundation to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. In 20 years, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) has grown from one local Race -- with 800 participants in Dallas, Texas -- to a series of more than 100 Races with 1.5 million people expected to participate in 2003. Today, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Funds raised during the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series support the Foundation's mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life- threatening disease. Up to 75 percent of the net income from each Race stays in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. A minimum of 25 percent of the net income from each Race supports the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

More information about the Race, membership, volunteering and the Komen Houston Affiliate activities is available at www.breastcancerinfo.com.