September 19, 2006 > 5K run/walk for breast cancer

by Arathi Satish

Overlooking the scenic San Francisco Bay, participants of the 7th Annual Keep Abreast - Walking for Her will come together to raise funds to support friends and families facing breast cancer by providing community education.

Hope Empowerment Renewal and Support (HERS), a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1998 by a group of women concerned by the high incidence of breast cancer and a lack of support services. The women, one a breast cancer survivor, set out to provide post-surgical services such as fitting women with special bras. As the foundation evolved, the focus evolved to today's emphasis on helping improve women's access to information and promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Proceeds will benefit the outreach programs like Bras for Body and Soul, Threads of Hope, Woman to Woman, Web Site Memorial Tributes, The Right Fit and Breast Health Outreach Program. 

Honorary co-chairs are Hattie Hyman Hughes and Nacha Subramanian.  MC is Steve Paulson, KTVU news morning meteorologist.  A number of organizations are sponsoring this event. Dr. Tricia McMahon, co-founder of HERS, said the organization is very grateful for the support of the presenting sponsor, Fremont Bank Foundation.

"We are really excited about strong team participation. We have a team being led by a 9th grader who has rallied her friends and neighbors to participate.  We also have a corporate team of 25-plus members."

Individuals can participate as walkers, by pledging a donation to a walker or by a donation. Corporate sponsors are encouraged to have teams, sponsor a display or service booth, and advertise or donate samples like water, juice, and power bars.  

The event will be held at Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont, at Dairy Glen Meadow and Bay View Trail overlooking San Francisco Bay (see schedule below). 

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Event Day Registration and Pre-Race Activities
8:30 a.m. - Stretching/Aerobic Warm-up
9:00 a.m. - Opening Ceremony Honoring Survivors/Release of Doves by Survivors
9:25 a.m. - Run/Walk Start
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Community Resource/Health Expo, Live Music, Picnic Lunch.

For more information or to register visit www.HERSfund.org or call (510) 573-2089. Registration for adults is $35 and youth 11-17 is $20.

7th Annual Keep Abreast - Walking for Her
Saturday, Sept. 30
7:30 a.m.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 573-2089