Community Corner
Volunteers Prepare for Tomorrow's Komen Race for the Cure in West Orange
Fundraising event this Sunday is expected to draw 10,000 visitors to the South Mountain area.
Volunteers at Komen North Jersey are in the final stretch of preparations for the big race this Sunday. After months of planning, the event is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants and supporters to the 5k run/walk at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.
One expected highlight of the day is the appearance of "Dateline NBC" correspondent Hoda Kotb, who is serving as honorary chair for the North Jersey Affiliate event. Kotb, who is a four-year breast cancer survivor, will lead the race’s signature moment, the Survivor Procession and Ceremony. Diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007, Kotb shared her cancer story on “The Today Show” in October 2007.
"As a breast cancer survivor, Hoda will be a tremendous inspiration to all our participants, especially our survivors," said Deborah Q. Belfatto, founder of the Komen North Jersey Affiliate, in a statement. "Her own courageous battle with the disease, and her willingness to openly and publicly talk about her journey, is a testament to the strength, pride and determination of the ‘sisterhood of breast cancer survivors."
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Last year's event, which drew thousands of participants to Newark's Branch Brook Park, raised more than $1.4 million. It is the largest fundraising event of the year for Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure.
Anyone who is interested in participating, can register onsite on the day of the race, Registration begins at 7 a.m. For more information, go to www.komennorthjersey.org/race.
Find out what's happening in West Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Komen Race for the Cure is the largest series of 5K run/walks in the world designed to increase awareness and raise money to fund breast cancer research and local community-based breast health programs for uninsured and underinsured women and men.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY
7 a.m. Registration opens
7 a.m. Survivor tent opens
7:50 a.m. Brief ceremony - Start/finish Stage
8 a.m. 5k run begins
8:35 a.m. Race awards on the Main Stage
8:45 a.m. Survivors proceed to Main Stage led by Deborah Belfatto and Hoda Kotb
8:55 a.m. Survivor ceremony begins - Main Stage
9:15 a.m. Survivors proceed to start line
9:25 a.m. Walk ceremony begins - Start Stage
9:30 a.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony
9:35 a.m. 5k walk begins
10:45 a.m. Post-race ceremony -Main Stage
11:05 a.m. Ceremony ends - Infernos play
Noon Event ends
