Thousands Take Part In Race For The Cure

Borderland residents put on their running shoes and went the distance Sunday morning.

Thousands participated in the 2011 Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure at Cohen Stadium.

The race, sponsored by Mattress Firm, gathered a variety of participants from all walks of life including families, local military and even members of the El Paso Fire Department.

Firefighters were dressed in full gear, some wearing pink helmets to spread breast cancer awareness to the community.

One participant, Maribel Santiesteban said she was spreading the message of hope to all women and her mother who is currently fighting the disease.

“Yes, my mom is fighting this. We are here to show our support for her and others,” she said.

Other participants, like Gloria Plaza, have attended the event for several years to remember those who lost their battle with breast cancer.

“My mother was a strong woman. We do this for her every year,” Plaza said.

Participants went to the event not only to support those fighting the disease in El Paso, but also abroad.

“I love my mother,” said Jutta Gallentine. “My mother she lives in Germany. She had cancer and she’s recovering. We can do this,” she exclaimed.

Event organizers said up to 75 percent of the funds raised at the race remain in El Paso to provide breast health research, diagnostics, screening, treatment, services and education for uninsured or under-insured women. They said the remaining 25 percent goes to fund national research to discover the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures.