The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a 5 K (3.1 mile) race or walk in downtown Bangor and other cities around the world that brings people together to support breast cancer research, breast survivors, their families and friends. On Sunday September 18, over 5,000 people, including 400 breast cancer survivors attended Bangor’s 15th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Sally Bilancia, the executive director of Komen Maine affiliate, said that over 300,000 dollars was donated at the race this year. Bilancia has been working for the Maine affiliate in Bangor for 12 years. She says she feels it's her responsibility to make sure the race is a success each and every year.

“We have two primary sources of revenue for our business, the Portland race and the Bangor race, " she says. "The two races combined donated over $440,000 for breast cancer just this year.”

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, Susan's sister, as a promise to help other women battle breast cancer. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest organization raising money for the breast cancer cause.

According to komen.org, there are 120 races in the United States and 20 other races worldwide. Komen for the Cure has raised more than $ 1.9 billion since the non-profit organization started in 1982. It was Susan G. Komen’s goal to some day have a cure for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease that can impact men as well. Susan Patten, marketing director at the New England School Communications in Bangor says that 400 men annually nationwide lose their lives every year to breast cancer. Patten was the race director from 2002 to 2004.

Many people are affected by this disease. New cases of breast cancer arise every day. John Swalec, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Cancer Care of Maine, says that breast cancer is very common.

“Approximately one out of nine women will develop breast cancer by the ninth decade of their life," he explained.

It seems as though a lot of attendees at the race have somehow been affected by breast cancer. Patten shared, “Last year I lost my best friend to breast cancer, something no one should have to go through.”

Maine’s director Bilancia discussed where the money goes.

“After expenses, 75 percent stays in Maine to fund education, screening, and treatment. The other 25 percent goes to breast cancer research programs nationwide,” she says.

Kathy Cusick, a radiation therapist at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Care of Maine, deals with breast cancer patients every day.

“Each week we have four to six new breast cancer patients starting treatment,” said Cusick. “If a patient starts to fail or do poorly, you feel so sad for them.”

At Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Care of Maine, 80-90 patients are treated for cancer every day. Dr. Swalec said that out of that group, almost 20 of them are inflicted with breast cancer.

Not only does Cusick have to work with breast cancer patients every single day, but she is actually a victim herself. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, something she never thought would happen. Cusick has participated in the annual Komen Race for the Cure every year since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I went from being a care giver to a patient and it was a humbling experience. Since I have gone through this myself, I can help my patients better understand the treatment.”

Cusick explains that the money donated goes to fund many different aspects of cancer treatment.

“If you donate money, it goes to further research for genetic testing, new chemo therapy drugs, and new radiation techniques,” adds Cusick.

To ensure that the event runs smoothly, planning for the Komen Race for the Cure occurs year-round. According to Bilancia, there are two major groups that help make the race possible. The team's chairman is a person that helps all of the family and friends of the breast cancer survivors organize their team to support the person they want to represent. The volunteer chairman is a person that is in charge of getting all the volunteers to assist with the event. There were 120 volunteers helping out on race day this year.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has grown every year in Bangor. It has become more than just a fundraiser for some, according to Cusick.

“I just think the race is an uplifting, supportive event that unites all breast cancer survivors and their families.”

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