The Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will host its 13th annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2010. Doug Melvin, general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers and his wife Ellen have been named honorary co-chairs of this year’s race.
“Breast cancer is a cause that certainly hits close to home,” Ellen said.
Ellen lost her mother to breast cancer and has since had a number of close friends effected by the disease as well.
The Melvin’s raised $100,000 for the Race for the Cure in 2010 and have played an active role in fundraising for the cause by hosting several events including “The Pink Tie Guy” cocktail reception, the “Step Up to the Plate event at Miller Park and have even auctioned off Brewers Jersey’s in support of the cause.
“I’m excited to be a part of it,” Doug said. “We want to encourage everyone to get involved, before it affects your friends and family personally. Prevention and awareness are absolutely key messages we want to communicate and that the community seems to be very receptive to.”
The South East Wisconsin affiliate of Susan G. Komen expects at least 18,000 people to participate in the race which will be held on Milwaukee’s lake front. The Melvins will be on hand to kick off the event. Last year’s race welcomed more than 16,000 participants and raised over $1.1 million for the cause.
“The fact that more than 70 percent of the funds raised will stay in the Milwaukee community is great,” Ellen said.
According to Ellen, more than 600 cases of breast cancer were reported last year and at least 160 people in Milwaukee County died from the disease.
“Your participation really can make an impact,” Ellen said. “It can save lives.”
Online registration for the race is still open, but must be completed by Friday, Sept. 23. The race will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. Visit www.komensoutheastwi.org for more information.
Check out the video interview with Doug and Ellen Melvin below.
