October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a period dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of simple steps like early detection and prevention which are essential elements of the battle with breast cancer.

The annual Phoenix Race for the Cure, one of the top ten largest Race for the Cure events in the country, gathered nearly 33,000 runners, walkers, and supporters of breast cancer research. The Race was comprised of a5K run/walk and a 1 mile run/walk which started at the State Capitol District at 17th Avenue and Adams Street. Organizers said the event raised more that $2 million which they said would found some 160,000 mammograms. Up to 75 percent of the proceeds raised from the event will stay in central and northern Arizona to fund education, screening and treatment projects. Twenty-five percent will go to the Komen Research Grants and Awards program for breast cancer research. Up to seventy-five percent of the net income from each domestic Affiliate Race stays in the local community to fund breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has affiliates in 125 cities and and advocates at the local, state, and federal level. The organization funds research, promotes early detection and treatment of the disease and funds mammograms for women who cannot afford them.

“The theme of this year’s race was ‘Imagine’ because a world without breast cancer is the one vision we all share. With results like this, we are closer to realizing this vision,” said Pat Elder, executive director of the Komen Phoenix Affiliate. This action is organized each year by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, whose mission is “to save lives and to end breast cancer forever.”