Honorary Co-Chairs Named for 23rd Annual CT BHI RACE IN THE PARK

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) has announced the honorary co-chairs for the 23^rd annual RACE IN THE PARK, to be held on Saturday, May 9 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain.

New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez and former U.S.Congresswoman Nancy Johnson will serve as honorary co-chairs of this year’s event. The RACE IN THE PARK is the largest fundraiser for breast cancer research and education in Connecticut, and 100% of the money raised stays in Connecticut.Registration for the 2026 “RACE IN THE PARK” is now open at www.ctbhi.org.

The popular annual event will again bring people together from all across Connecticut – and neighboring states across the region - to raise money to advance breast cancer research and education, making a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer.

Robert “Bobby” Sanchez was elected as the 41st Mayor of the City of New Britain in November 2025, making history as the first Latino mayor to lead the city. Prior to being Mayor, he served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 2011 to 2025, representing the 25th Assembly District in New Britain.

Mayor Sanchez is a longtime leader in the New Britain community. Before joining the state legislature, he served on the New Britain Board of Education, where he was a strong voice for expanding educational opportunity and improving administrative efficiency. Mayor Sanchez is also well known for his decades of work with the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc., where he helped strengthen early childhood education through the Head Start program.

“CT BHI’s work has never been more important. At a time when research funding faces uncertainty, this fundraiser plays a critical role in sustaining innovation and education in our state,” said Mayor Sanchez. “The City of New Britain is proud to expand its support for the RACE IN THE PARK because investing in breast cancer research is an investment in our families, our neighbors, and our future.”

Throughout his career, Mayor Sanchez has built strong relationships with families, professionals, and local leaders across the city. He is widely recognized for his extraordinary commitment, respect, and dedication to the people of New Britain.In addition to his public service roles, he has served on numerous boards and community organizations, including Citizens for Action in New Britain, the Federal Housing Residents Council, the New Britain Human Rights Commission, and the City’s Housing Coalition Board, selected to serve by the Common Council.

“We are tremendously honored to have Mayor Sanchez and Congresswoman Johnson serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the RACE this year,” said CT BHI Board President Joyce Bray.“Their dedication to Connecticut, and the people they have represented throughout their respective

careers, underscore their dedication and determination to represent their constituents effectively and consistently, and we are grateful for their support.”

During her nearly quarter-century in the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy L. Johnson became the first Republican woman to gain a seat on the influential Ways and Means Committee. Later, as the dean of the Connecticut delegation, she also served as the highest-ranking woman in the history of Ways and Means, where she became known as a diligent legislator deeply involved in the nation’s revenue policy.

Nancy Johnson successfully ran for the Connecticut State Senate in 1976—the first Republican in more than 30 years to win from solidly Democratic New Britain. She served there until her election to Congress in 1982 representing the Congressional District that included New Britain.

She later chaired three subcommittees on Ways and Means. In the 104^th Congress, she was selected as one of only eight Republicans to design a broad overhaul of Medicare. As a principal author of the health care bill, she oversaw the addition of prescription drug coverage, care for chronic illnesses, and other changes to Medicare.She also sponsored legislation creating the State Children’s Health Insurance Program as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.CongresswomanJohnson won re-election to a twelfth term in 2004 with 60% of the vote, then making her the longest-serving U.S. Representative in state history.

Funding Research and Education in Connecticut

With generous private and corporate support from the RACE IN THE PARK for the past 22 years, CT BHI has raised more than $4.9 million and provided 119 grants for research and education initiatives, with 100% of funds raised staying in Connecticut. Projects that have earned funding can be seen atwww.ctbhi.org/grants.

“Today, scientists are struggling to keep labs and experiments running amid uncertainty of the potential impact on the pace of discovery and the harm resulting from cuts,” explained Joyce Bray. “The CT Breast Health Initiative is very aware of the promising work that our Connecticut scientists want to continue or start. We can help sustain and accelerate research in our state amidst federal funding volatility.” Thus, the RACE theme this year, prominently featured on the 2026 logo, is “Funding Research.”

A 2025 Columbia University analysis of U.S. Cancer Statistics data showed that Connecticut had the highest observed rate of early onset breast cancer in the nation among women ages 25–39 from 2001–2020. Nationally, breast cancer is rising fastest among women under 50.The rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut’s population is the second highest in the United States. To register or pledge for this event, which includes a 5K Race and 4K/1 Mile Walk, and Kids’ Fun Runs, visit www.ctbhi.org. Individuals and teams are welcome.