Breast cancer run, walk in downtown Detroit draws 30,000

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Crystal Jackson was among an estimated 30,000 Metro Detroiters who converged downtown Saturday for the 14th annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure, a fund-raiser that raised a record $1.2 million locally last year.

“After I had my operation in August, my life changed dramatically,” Jackson said. “I couldn’t play with my 4-year-old daughter, because I was sick from the chemotherapy. To be here today is awesome.”

Northville resident Tara Ransom, 31, has been participating in the event for seven years. On Saturday, her family held up a placard bearing the message “Alison’s Army” in memory of Ransom’s cousin, Alison Bagdonas, who died in January from breast cancer.

“We’ve been coming for seven years to contribute to a meaningful cause, but since my cousin died, breast cancer is an issue that’s really hit home,” Ransom said.

Funds raised for the local event, which is presented by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, support breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for the medically underserved in Metro Detroit. About 25 percent of race proceeds fund breast cancer research through the Komen foundation.

Detroit’s race, which includes a 5K run, 5K walk and one-mile walk, is one of the largest in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race series; the race is held in more than 100 U.S. cities and three foreign countries.

“This year, we expect to surpass the amount of money we raised last year,” said Mike Meldrum, chairman of Friends for the Cure.