Thousands are predicted to participate in Race For The Cure this Saturday, a 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer.
Fifteen thousand people are estimated to participate, according to Ellen Stucker, RFTC volunteer chair. Among those are several University of Memphis students.
The Women's Panhellenic Council urges its members to participate every year.
"Race for the Cure is the WPC's philanthropy," said Whitney Rice, a Greek advisor. "Members from each sorority always participate."
Some students participate for fitness, others for charity, but for others, the Race, and its goal, hits close to home.
"Breast cancer runs in my family," said Meagan Simpson, 21, and member of Delta Gamma sorority. "I want to be a part of something that will help me later in life. I don't want to be stupid and selfish while I'm young and healthy."
With registration numbers increasing every year, Stucker believes a cure for breast cancer may be found in our lifetime.
"I feel very passionately about what we do," said Stucker, a 17-year breast cancer survivor. "I definitely see the eradication of breast cancer occurring."
Stucker will be participating Saturday, not only for herself, but for the women in her family, some of whom have died from the disease.
"My mother and grandmother died from cancer, and I have two daughters," she said. This cause is very close to my heart."
Also among the race organizers is Sharon Higgenbotham, RFTC registration chair, and 15-year cancer survivor.
"I was diagnosed when I was 35. Young women need to know that no matter what, it can happen to them. This race definitely allows women to become aware," she said.
Higgenbotham is also sure that the disease will be beaten in this lifetime, in large part due to RFTC.
"All the technology, the new drugs, everything is because of this," she said. We're definitely working toward that goal.
Race for the Cure also brings more than money for breast cancer and its survivors, Higgenbotham said. RFTC offers a large support system for survivors and their families.
"Looking around (the race), you can see the camaraderie among the women," Higgenbotham said. "We are all working toward the same goal, and we have all experienced the same thing. These are some strong women."
Students can still register to participate in the race by registering online at www.raceforthecurememphis.org.
