Get Involved!

In honor of today's National Day of Service, I thought I would remind everyone of some of the many ways that you can get involved in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.  While there are many, many other ways to get involved, this post highlights just a few of the activities that I've been a part of that benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

First and foremost, I encourage everyone to consider participating in the Breast Cancer 3 Day.  It is a lot of work to do the fundraising and the training to walk 60 miles, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences that I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of.  You can read more about it on the official Breast Cancer 3 Day website.  And if you can't walk, consider getting involved with the crew.  They are an indispensable part of the 3 Day experience and I strongly encourage people to consider that as an alternative to walking in the 3 Day.  There are 3 Day events in 15 different cities, so even if you can't join us in Boston, think about walking in your own city.

Also, if you do decide to take on the 3 Day challenge, consider becoming part of our team, Relentless Optimism.  We are always open to new members, regardless of what city you choose to walk in.

Melissa & I at the 2007 3 Day Finish Line (L) and Kelly & I at the end of Day 2 of the 2008 3 Day (R)

If you are looking for a less time-intensive commitment but still want to help raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and breast cancer research, you should sign up for the Race for the Cure through your local Komen affiliate.  For those who don't know, Race for the Cure is a 5K Run/Walk that benefits the local chapters of Komen for the Cure, with the majority of the money that is raised going directly back into your community.  I have walked and/or run in at least five separate Race for the Cure events in three cities and I can promise you, it is well worth the early Saturday morning.  Plus, free t-shirt!

For those that are in Upstate New York, the 2010 Race for the Cure will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Saturday, May 15th.  You can find all of the details about registering for the race and donating to participants at their official website.

Syracuse Race for the Cure 2007 (L) and 2008 (R)

With Marcia & Tommy at the 2007 Syracuse Race for the Cure

For those of you that are in Atlanta, like me, the 2010 Race for the Cure will be held on Saturday, May 8th at Atlantic Station.  All of the details about registering for the Atlanta Race for the Cure and donating to participants can be found at the official website.

Hannah, Anjali & Suzanne at the Atlanta Race for the Cure 2007 (L) and the balloons over Atlanta during the Atlanta Race for the Cure 2008 (R)

For everyone else, you can easily locate a Race for the Cure event near you at this website.  I can't urge you to get involved in this great event enough.  If you don't think you can handle a 5K, there's almost always a 1 mile walk option instead!  If my 90 year old grandmother can do it, what's your excuse?

Mima (second from right) walking in the 2007 Syracuse Race for the Cure

If you are more interested in political activism that athletic activities, consider signing up for the Komen Advocacy Alliance.  The Advocacy Alliance is the legislative advocacy arm of Komen for the Cure.  This is a no-cost, no-commitment way to harness the most powerful tools we have for breast cancer advocacy: our voices as citizens.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the easiest way to get involved: DONATE!  You can use the widget at the top, right hand side of my blog to donate to my fundraising efforts for the 2010 Breast Cancer 3 Day.  Or, if you prefer, you can take part in one (or more!) of my fundraising contests which you can read all about on our team blog.

There are so many ways to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.  Try one of them, try all of them.  Just get out there and get involved!