More than Pink
2018 Komen Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure
Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure strives to springboard last year’s successful race into a victory for the women of this region.
JONESBORO – (January 25, 2018)
Breast cancer survivors, volunteers, and community leaders gathered at the Municipal Center in Jonesboro Thursday to announce details of the second Komen Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure®.
The race is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th, on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. The goal is to raise $300,000 this year through the various Race for the Cure® events. The 2018 Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure chairs are Candace Cooper and Julie Issacson.
Isaacson noted, “This year’s race theme, “More Than Pink through Education”, is a movement dedicated to shifting our focus from awareness to action. We want to redefine our pink ribbon in a way that unites and empowers us so that, together, we can end breast cancer – remembering that through education early detection saves lives.”
Cooper explains, “Along with our efforts to help achieve the Komen Bold Goal, we hope to expand the participants and communities involved to assure this race truly reaches every part of the Northeast Region. While we cannot decrease the number of women who get breast cancer, we can decrease the number of women who are diagnosed with later stage breast cancer through education efforts and awareness.”
The Komen Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure® is developed under the supervision of the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, whose race in Little Rock is the second largest race in the Komen network.
The race day schedule includes:
Survivor Breakfast at the Woodard McAlister Family Club inside the Johnny Allison Tower of Centennial Bank Stadium starting at 7 a.m. (survivors may bring one guest – must be registered for the race)
Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the stage on the Centennial Bank Stadium field.
Survivors Parade and photo will be at 8:15 a.m. on the Centennial Bank Stadium field.
The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. on the north side of Centennial Bank Stadium. Chipped runners will line up at the front of the race. Supporters may also participate without actually attending the race by registering as a virtual runner. Children Under 5 must register but are free of charge; they will receive a bib but no shirt. Registered Kids for the Cure® participants, ages 5-12, will receive a T-shirt. Participants may register online at komenarkansas.org, at onsite registration and packet pick up (Race Space) at NEA Baptist located at 4800 East Johnson Avenue or on the morning of the race.
Susan G. Komen is pleased to announce that E.C. Barton and Company and Surplus Warehouse are returning as the Presenting sponsor of Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure. St. Bernards Healthcare and Medical Group is the founding sponsor of the Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure. St. Bernards has been a sponsor of the Arkansas Race for the Cure in Little Rock since 1996. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels.
In addition to race day activities, the “Pink Pasta Party” will be held from 6-8 p.m. the night before the event. Participants will enjoy a pasta dinner and entertainment with the purchase of a $25 ticket.
Immediately following the Pink Pasta Party, those who have purchased a pink wrist band will be part of the Pink Prowl through downtown Jonesboro. Specific locations along Main Street will offer happy hour pricing from 8-10 pm to everyone wearing their pink band.
Also, men are invited to participate in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event. Men are encouraged to dress up for the event, but must wear women’s shoes for a walk down Main Street that begins at 8:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to winners.
Teams are a crucial part of the Race for the Cure registration. Event organizers encourage churches, businesses, social organizations and family groups to form a team to support a survivor they know, or to help increase awareness and raise funds to end breast cancer. Individuals and teams are encouraged to raise funds for Komen Arkansas through the fundraising program. Donations can be made online at komenarkansas.org or mailed to the Arkansas affiliate. Participants who raise $50 will receive a “More Than Pink” magnetic decal. Participants who raise $100 will receive special “More than Pink” socks to be worn on race day. Largest teams, highest fundraising teams, and highest fundraising individuals will all be recognized with prizes and other recognition for their efforts.
Onsite registration and packet pick up will be located at NEA Baptist Hospital located at 4800 East Johnson Avenue in Jonesboro beginning Wednesday, April 25th, through Friday, April 27th. Registration will open race morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Centennial Bank Stadium.
The race day Survivor Breakfast, sponsored by Families, Inc., will begin at 7 a.m. in the Woodard/McAlister area of the second floor of Centennial Bank Stadium’s multi-level press box. This informal breakfast is free for survivors and one registered guest.
The 2018 Komen Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure Honorary Chairs represent our efforts to educate the women of this region. The Honorary Chairs are the Executive Staff of Arkansas State University. And include:
Dr. Kelly Damphousse, Chancellor
Dr. Lynita Cooksey, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Dr. Len Frey, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration
Dr. Rick Stripling, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Dr. Jason Penry, Vice Chancellor of Advancement
Mr. Terry Mohajir, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Dr. Maurice Gipson, Chief Diversity Officer
(to reach Dr. Damphousse please go through Dr. Bill Smith at bsmith@astate.edu )
The 2017 Honorary Survivors continue our theme of early detection through education and represent teachers and educators for local schools in our region. These breast cancer survivors are an important part of our communities. They include:
Suzanne Callahan of Jonesboro
Sandra Combs of Jonesboro
Candace Gross of Newport
Amy Searcy of Wynne.
Callahan said, “When I was first diagnosed in 1997 my sons were 6 and 10. I’m proud to say that today they are 26 and 30. Not only did I dance at both of their weddings, I am now a proud grandmother of a perfect grandchild. Thanks to wonderful physicians, advanced technology, research (and lots of prayer) ….I am still here and still teaching. I share my story to let you know that there is indeed hope for a cure and that is why we RACE for the CURE. “
“The financial support and the awareness provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation is unparalleled. I am so proud to be a part of this organization and to do my part as a survivor to make a difference. Thank you for this honor and thank you to all who are working on this very significant event”, she added.
Following the 5K Run, an awards ceremony will be held at Centennial Bank Stadium. Awards will be given to the top three female, the top three male and the top three survivor winners of the race.
Parking will be available on campus. Special survivor and sponsor parking will be located adjacent to the stadium. Survivors must wear a survivor T-shirt or survivor bib for entry. Space is limited.
Several community leaders are stepping up to help kickoff the local fundraising effort as “Big Wigs.” A Komen Northeast Arkansas Big Wig is a very important person who is on a mission to end breast cancer by raising awareness and funds in the local community, while wearing a ridiculous-looking pink wig for an element of fun. This year’s Big Wigs are Mr. Ritter Arnold, president of E. Ritter and Company in Jonesboro; Mr. Danny Ford, owner of Glen Sain Motor Company in Rector; Dr. Darrell Ragland, M.D. of First Care Medical Clinic in Jonesboro; Dr. Heidi Humphrey, M.D. at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro; and Dr. Tommy Wagner, chief strategic officer of Lawrence Agribusiness in Wilson.
Local restaurants may also join in the fundraising effort by participating in “Dine Out for the Cure”. With more than 4,000 people expected to be part of the weekend events, restaurants who will donate a portion of their proceeds on race day, Saturday, April 28 will receive special recognition and promotion.
Go Pink Week is a time for the whole region to show that it is More than Pink. From April 23-27, all Northeast Arkansas businesses and organizations are encouraged to decorate their businesses PINK to show support for those battling breast cancer and to honor survivors.
For a full schedule of race-related events, contact the Susan G. Komen Arkansas Affiliate at (501) 202-4399 or visit www.komenarkansas.org.
The Arkansas Affiliate sponsors for the Northeast Arkansas race committed to date include:
Presenting Sponsor: Surplus Warehouse and E.C. Barton and Company
Founding Sponsor: St. Bernards Healthcare and Medical Group
Elite Sponsors: Arkansas State University, Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission, NEA Baptist Hospital/NEA Baptist Hospital Auxiliary;
Premiere Sponsors: East Arkansas Broadcasters, Jonesboro Radio Group, Master Print Group, Occasions, and The Solutions Group;
Platinum Sponsors: Families, Inc.;
Gold Sponsors: Premium Refreshment Services;
Silver Sponsors: Associated Radiologists, Rainwater Cox
Bronze Sponsors: Centennial Bank, Jonesboro Sun;
Crystal Sponsors: Amy Long Photography, Gearhead Outfitters, Inc.,
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Follow the Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure on social media:
Facebook – Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure
Statewide at:
Blog – Komenarkansasblog.com
Twitter – @Komenarkansas
Instagram –KomenArkansas
Hashtag – #Neverstop #KomenAR
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $956 million in research and provided more than $2.1 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. That promise has become Komen’s promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.
About Komen Arkansas
Komen Arkansas is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community in an effort to reach the Bold Goal. The Arkansas Affiliate’s race in Little Rock, AR will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2017, the Arkansas Affiliate and the Texarkana Affiliate merged to save costs and efforts as they help the women of our state. Through events like the Komen Northeast Arkansas Race for the Cure®, with its inaugural race in 2017, Komen Arkansas has invested $21 million in community breast health programs in 68 of the 75 counties in Arkansas and two counties in Texas and has helped contribute $7 million to the more than $956 million invested globally in research. For more information, call 501.202.4399 or visit komenarkansas.org.
Press Release
My mother and I are both registered as survivors. My 84 year old mom is in a wheel chair. Will there be a place to take her so she can be on the field for the survivors parade. She just completed chemo the end of January this year. Thank you for your help.