More than a race.

In 2013, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be 232,340 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed. There will be an estimated 39,620 deaths.  This equates to 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed during their lifetime. With these numbers there is a high chance that breast cancer has touched your own family. For this reason Woman’s Hospital and Gulf Coast Event Group proudly held the Inaugural  Woman’s Half Marathon, 10K Road Race & 5K Fun Run last year on December 9th, 2012. This event reinforced their mission on improving the health of women in our community, and also informing them of all the different types of risks of Breast Cancer. We want for women everywhere to realize how important it is to have an active lifestyle and to eat right, and to beware the risks of certain activities like sitting too long, or breast augmentation surgery. We want to let them know that there are alternatives to potentially dangerous surgeries, like health supplements which enlarge the breasts, like the ones offered by theBustBoosters.com/best-breast-enhancement-pill-supplement . Thats why we have put together a variety of race options to participate in.

One of these teams had 19 members. “Team Danelle”.  Danelle Richardson at the age of 43 was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012.  In August she had surgery to remove a 1.6cm lump and 3 lymph nodes.  Danelle began 6 rounds of chemo that October.  Her family wanted to show their support to unite their family in Danelle’s fight. For many of them it would be their first ever running event. They felt privileged to be able to show their support in this way. Danelle watched proudly from the sidelines as her sisters, cousins, nieces and friends proudly crossed the finish line wearing their custom made “Faith-Strength- Laughter-Warrior” pink shirts. This year they plan to return but to support Danelle as a breast cancer survivor.  In July of this year her exam was finally all clear. On August 12, 2013 she had her last treatment and her port was removed on September 10th, 2013. Danelle will be coming off the sidelines as well as her husband Barry to join the team for the second annual event to be held on December 8^th, 2013.

Please watch this video recap from the 2012 Inaugural Woman’s event that shows the spirit of strength, inspiration and pure joy.  Danelle’s story is one of many.

2012 Woman’s Hospital Half Marathon from mattwatt33 on Vimeo.

Will your name be on the Runner’s Board December 8^th?

Go PINK and Sign up today for the 2nd Annual Woman’s Half Marathon, 10K Road Race & 5K Fun Run to be held on December 8, 2013. More Smiles per Mile!   http://www.womanshalfmarathon.com/

Special “Thanks” to Danelle Richardson and her family for sharing their story: Corryn, Claire, Erica, Christina, Leslie, Crystal, Paulette, Mary Kay, Amelia, Shelly, Shelia, Whitney, Alicia, Alissa, Emily, Dawn, Brynn, Barbara, Judy and Danelle’s husband Barry.

 Pictures courtesy of:  Clint LaBorde

Above breast cancer statistics from: http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/statistics.html