For many of the walkers and runners at the Komen Houston Race for the Cure, the reason for participating is personal. Many of them are survivors of breast cancer themselves or are celebrating the life of a loved one. For Baylor, participation is personal too. Baylor healthcare providers, researchers, faculty and staff work every day on prevention, treatment and support of breast cancer.
This year, the College stepped up its level of involvement in the Komen Race that raises money for breast cancer education, research, advocacy and social support. Not only did Baylor serve as a partnering sponsor of the event, held Jan. 27 in downtown Houston, but the College also fielded its largest team ever at the event, captained by Carli Lloyd, world champion soccer player and Olympic gold medalist and Baylor’s brand ambassador.
The Baylor team was more than 55 people strong, including faculty, staff, trainees and family members who braved wet and muddy conditions, and raised more than $7,500. The Baylor College of Medicine booth at the event offered information on services and resources available through the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center. Visitors to the booth also had the opportunity to take a photo with Carli Lloyd, and more than 150 people did just that! Another booth offered information on metastatic breast cancer, spearheaded by Josh Newby, a staff member in the breast center who lost his mother to the disease.
“Despite a chilly, rainy day, there was a large, loud crowd wearing a profundity of pink garments at the annual Susan Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Houston. Breast cancer survivors, patients, family members, friends and colleagues came together in a rousing run and celebration of the possibility of better outcomes for breast cancer patients through research support for prevention, early diagnosis and improved treatments,” said Dr. Steven Curley, professor of surgery and chief of the division of surgical oncology.
Thanks to all the Baylor College of Medicine faculty, staff and trainees, and their family members, who joined the Komen Houston Race for the Cure as a walker, runner or volunteer!
In addition to the Komen Race, Spin for Gyn was also held on Jan. 27. This event held at a local spin studio raises awareness and funds for Baylor’s Woman to Woman gynecologic cancer support program that pairs gynecologic cancer patients with survivor volunteers. More than 100 cyclists participated in the successful 2018 Spin for Gyn, which raised $12,000. Thanks to everyone who cycled for a good cause!
Dr. Celestine Tung and Courtney Vastine with obstetrics and gynecology and medical student Fatima Syed.
BCM Family 