RACE FOR THE CURE: Lori Curtis, Cathy and Justin Chu, Thomas Wong and Laura Paige (not shown: Phoong Tang)
 
By Scanews staff
On Saturday, June 22nd, downtown St. Louis was filled with over 45,000 people, all coming together for support of breast cancer awareness and to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. Race for the Cure started in St. Louis in 1999 with the number of people participating growing stronger each year. In the year 1999 there were over 10,000; in 2000, over 17,000; and in 2001, more than 31,500 people raced for the cure. Now don't confused. This race is not just for the runners, Race for the Cure offers alternatives to the competitive 5km (3 ?miles) run. You can choose to walk the 5km or choose the 1mile walk. The 5km option does offer the splendor of walking through the streets of St. Louis and then down along the riverfront.
The race began at 8:30am so as to avoid the intense heat of the St. Louis sun in the afternoon, but it was still a warm day, hazy day. Plenty of water was on hand as well as snacks and free goodies for all participants, thanks to the local sponsors, including Schnucks, Yoplait, and the Bread Co. to mention just a few. Prizes were awarded to participants and sponsors. The Honorary Chairs of the Race this year were Kurt and Brenda Warner. Also on hand for the event was Governor Bob Holden and Mayor Slay, as well as many others. A stunning rendition of the Anthem was sung as well.
Each year, many people make the decision to join either as a corporate group, a group of a family and friends or as individuals. Registering is easy via the website www.stlouisraceforthecure.org. So be sure to check it out next year. Part of the registration includes a free Race For the Cure t-shirt and various free items as given away at the Registration Expo in the Galleria parking garage a few days prior to the event.
To be a part of something so large even for a few hours, can give you such peace and solidarity. To view the mass of people walking the streets of downtown St. Louis, holding their signs, singing, and having a wonderful time, sharing in the moment is an experience recommend for everyone. The more powerful images include seeing the sea of pink shirts that the breast cancer survivors wear or taking note of the "In Memory" or "In Celebration" signs that people wear on their backs, devoted to their loved ones who have battled the disease.
The Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) had their own representatives there for the day, as organized by member, Phoong Tang. CAPA participants included Phoong Tang, Cathy Chu and her son, Justin, Thomas Wong, and Laura Paige. A good day was shared by all. Phoong and Thomas ran the 5km, while Cathy, Justin, Laura and her friend Lori Curtis chose the 5km walk. Hope that in the future, more of the Asian American community represented in this city-wide event.
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