Health and Safety of Participants Must Be Prioritized and Protected During COVID-19
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, today announced that with few exceptions (if any), each of its local Komen Race for the Cure® and MORE THAN PINK Walk events in 2020 to be held virtually. The decision to conduct its signature fundraising series of 5ks and family walks virtually this year was made in the interest of protecting the health and safety of its participants from COVID-19, many of which are breast cancer survivors and those living with the disease.
“Our events have long served two important purposes – they are both critical fundraisers that contribute significant funds to fuel our breast cancer research and patient support efforts, and they provide all those touched by breast cancer a way to show their support, meet people who are going through similar experiences, and feel a sense of being a part of a large compassionate community that is making a difference in the fight against breast cancer,” said Carrie Stovall, Vice President of Peer to Peer Fundraising at Susan G. Komen. “Breast cancer doesn’t stop just because of COVID-19. We believe we can preserve the sense of community through this new virtual fundraising walk, even though we will be walking where we are. The added benefit of this new virtual experience is that people who previously couldn’t attend an in-person event will now be able to participate and be part of the community our events create.”
Komen Affiliates will be using social media posts, marketing programs and technology solutions that will allow for a meaningful event for participants and sponsors.
While most events in the series will be conducted virtually this year, a few select markets may determine that an in-person event is possible in close consultation with local health officials. Those decisions will be made by local Komen Boards based on a number of factors, including the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the area and their ability to effectively protect the health and safety of their participants.
Komen previously announced the postponement of its other signature fundraising event series, the Komen 3-Day. These 60-mile walks, which were scheduled for Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego, will be postponed until the 2021 season as there is not a viable virtual option for these multi-day endurance style events.
