Making a difference: Isabella Figueroa, 5, was selected to serve as the Kids for the Cure ambassador.
Amelia Figueroa has participated in the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure since becoming a patient care technician at Cancer Treatment Centers of America three years ago.
CTCA, at 1331 E. Wyoming Ave., is a healthcare sponsor of the Komen event and recruits employees like Figueroa to take part on race day.
“My job is helping patients navigate through their treatment and also make sure they get all the physical and emotional support they can,” she said. “Participating in the Race for the Cure is an incredible opportunity for me to do that even more by supporting Komen’s fight against breast cancer.”
This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, is extra special for Figueroa, a Burholme resident, since Komen selected her 5-year-old daughter, Isabella, to serve as the Kids for the Cure ambassador.
Isabella is encouraging children ages 3 to 12 to take part in the UnitedHealthcare Dash to Make a Difference. Last year, she donned a pink tutu for the dash.
“Breast cancer is just getting bigger and bigger, and it affects everyone of all ages and genders. I want Isabella to grow up aware for her own health — and having a positive outlook,” said her mother, whose cousin and two aunts are breast cancer survivors. “Through the kids’ dash, she can feel empowered to do her part and experience the support of an entire community looking out for her future.”
The 23rd annual Race for the Cure will take place on Mother’s Day on Eakins Oval and the perimeter of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The opening ceremonies are at 7 a.m. The 5K run and walk and 1-mile fun walk will go from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the kids’ dash.
The event usually attracts about 125,000 people.
The highlight of the day is when an estimated 6,000 breast cancer survivors walk down the art museum steps.
Organizers hope to raise $2.3 million.
Komen, the largest private funder of the fight against breast cancer, directs the money to mammograms and breast cancer research and early-detection efforts.
Cancer Treatment Centers of American has been extensively involved over the last four years, raising money, providing race-day volunteers and offering year-round breast cancer programs.
To register or for more information, call 215–238–8900 or visit www.race.komenphiladelphia.org ••
