In 2005, more than 25,000 people gathered in downtown San Antonio to participate in the largest run/walk in Bexar County – The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure®. This year, an even bigger crowd is expected to participate, and Health Science Center employees are encouraged to team up to participate together on April 1.
The race honors those who have courageously survived the battle with breast cancer, those who have tragically lost their lives, and the families and friends who support them.
Several departments at the Health Science Center have already established teams, including employees from the Briscoe Library where four individuals are breast cancer survivors: Mary Grace Villarreal (10-year survivor), Susan Buentello (eight–year survivor), Jonquil Feldman (two-year survivor) and Herlinda Howard (six-month survivor). The library invites you to join members of its team called
UTHSCSA Library Bookin’ it!Herlinda Howard, office manager in the library, was terrified when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The Komen Web site was a primary source of information immediately available to me when I was first diagnosed,” Howard said. “It helped me to better understand breast cancer and its treatment. As I near the end of my treatment now, the fear is no longer there. I’ve participated in the Race for the Cure® for many years in support of women with breast cancer, never knowing that one day I would be running for myself to celebrate life. I encourage others to participate because the experience is overwhelming. One day you may be participating in support of your wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend or even yourself. I thank the Komen Foundation for its support. I have a sense of relief knowing that my prognosis is excellent due to early detection and the treatment I’ve received.”
Howard said she hopes next year to have only one Health Science Center team in which all departments can participate.
Up to 75 percent of the affiliate’s net income stays in San Antonio to fund breast health projects. Twenty-five percent supports the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research awards and scientific programs around the world.
Diana Fuentes, administrative assistant in the library, has volunteered to serve as a team captain for any other Health Science Center employees who would like to participate in the Race for the Cure® with the
UTHSCSA Library Bookin’ it! For more information, please contact Fuentes at:
Fuentes@uthscsa.edu or visit:
rfcsa.convio.net/site/TR/388654861?pg=team&fr_id=1020&team_id=11180&JServSessionIdr010=hthwqca6j1.app2b. All are invited to join.
