October 8, 2016


This week Richard and Joe welcomed Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wittig, Director of Grants and Public Policy of the Susan G. Komen foundation in San Diego County. They discussed the upcoming 20th Annual Race for the Cure for Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Balboa Park, the work of the foundation and the Three Day, 60 mile walk run in San Diego on Nov. 18th -20th.

The 5K and 1-mile walk/run raises significant funds for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates survivors and honors those who have lost their battle. Proceeds from the event will go toward Komen San Diego, the County’s largest funder of free breast cancer services and support. Community members can register here. When San Diegans participate, their donations go directly to help breast cancer patients in San Diego County, as well as toward research grants internationally. With over $1 million invested this year alone, Komen San Diego is the only organization providing qualified women the free services they need for every step of the breast cancer journey. The world’s largest investment of breast cancer research – next to the U.S. government. Since 1982, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $889 million in over 2,400 grants for breast cancer research. Currently, in San Diego, there is more than $2 million in five active grants at work to find the cure!

On November 6, more than 15,000 San Diegans will join together to participate in the 2016 Race for the Cure. Participating in the Race helps Komen San Diego provide free services for every step of the breast cancer journey:
Diagnostic mammograms, biopsies, MRI’s, ultrasounds and more for qualified women who have nowhere to turn when breast cancer strikes.

Temporary financial aid – including rent, mortgage, prescription drug payments and more.

Meal delivery for a woman and her entire family.

Intensive patient navigation – complete with emotional support for all.

Wherever there’s a gap – Komen San Diego fills it.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wittig started volunteering at Susan G. Komen in 2003, when she was just 17 years old, the same year Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. And that is the same year she participated in her first Race for the Cure – and The 3 Day. She has been walking ever since. Lizzie’s Mom passed from breast cancer in 2009 – but that was six years longer than the doctor’s thought she would. Her life was extended thanks to a Susan G. Komen-sponsored clinical trial. Lizzie is passionate about this cause – and she has put that passion for working for the mission. She and her 20-person walking team have raised more than $800,000 since 2003.

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