“RACE IN THE PARK” Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser is May 13

The popular RACE IN THE PARK proudly marks its 20th anniversary in 2023, bringing people from throughout the region together to raise money to advance breast cancer education and research initiatives in Connecticut, and to make a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer. It is the largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research in Connecticut.

A statewide nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI), hosts the annual fundraising event in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park, to be held this year on Saturday, May 13.

With generous public and corporate support from the annual Mother’s Day weekend event for two decades, more than $4.3 million and 107 grants have been provided for research and education initiatives, with 100% of money raised staying in Connecticut.

Registration for individuals and teams is now open at www.ctbhi.org; to register or pledge for the event, which includes a 5K Race and Walk and 4K and 1 Mile Walks, and Kids’ Challenge, visit the website and click on Register Now!.

Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2023 RACE IN THE PARK are Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz; New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart; Kristen Zarfos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Medical Director of the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women’s Health Center at Trinity Health of New England Medical Group’s Saint Francis Hospital; Camelia Lawrence, M.D., F.A.C.D., Director of Breast Surgery at the Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center; and Anne D’Alleva, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Connecticut, the university’s first female provost.

The RACE IN THE PARK brings statewide benefits. The money raised has funded grants provided to breast cancer research and education initiatives across the state, including in Bridgeport, Danbury, Farmington, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford. The RACE IN THE PARK celebrates survivors with a wonderfully upbeat RACE Day Survivor Breakfast at the start of the day alongside the RACE course.

The rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut is the second highest in the United States. It is estimated that about 3,500 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Connecticut women this year. A woman living in the United States has a 12.3 percent, or 1 in 8, lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Exclusive of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.

“100% raised in Connecticut. 100% stays in Connecticut,” said Joyce Bray, president of the CT BHI Board of Directors. “Every person who participates, every dollar donated, brings us closer to the next breakthrough and ultimately a cure. There is groundbreaking research underway right here in Connecticut that we are proud to support, thanks to our dedicated donors, participants and volunteers. This year, we celebrate the impact and progress made locally in the fight against breast cancer.”

The RACE IN THE PARK – always a family-centered day - will again offer options including a 5K run, a 4K walk, a 1- mile walk, and two Kids’ Challenges (1 mile and ½ mile). Each course includes a loop around the Historic Walnut Hill Park, and participants in the 5K also run through the surrounding neighborhood. Racers can expect to see enthusiastic local residents standing on their front lawns, cheering them on.

Members of local youth organization “Girls with Voices” will be decorating park the Park with pink bows, purchased, made and donated by Scott’s Flowers of New Britain.

RACE IN THE PARK activities also include a Beer Garden by Five Churches, Food Trucks, a Silent Auction/Auction Raffle Tent, and on-site Touch-a-Truck for kids. To add to the festivities, live music on-site throughout the day will be provided by In the Groove, a popular local band.

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful family day,” Bray noted. “Volunteers are the backbone of the event. They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant. Because of everyone’s extraordinary efforts, we’re able to fund forward-thinking programs that have yet to qualify for federal grants. And we’re doing it where it matters most – right here at home. Our vision is a world without breast cancer, and we know that research is the answer to cancer.”

Supporting the RACE IN THE PARK are sponsors Achieve Financial Credit Union, Farrell Funeral Home, Highland Park Market, Spring Brook Ice & Fuel Service, Thomaston Savings Bank, Tilcon CT Inc., Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, Hartford Healthcare Central Region, Saint Francis Hospital, and UConn Health. Returning as media sponsor is NBC Connecticut / Telemundo Connecticut, with additional support provided by Lite 100.5 WRCH. Additional sponsorships are available.

To honor the 20th anniversary of the RACE IN THE PARK, past Honorary Chairs Governor M. Jodi Rell, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, First Lady Patty Rowland, Ruth Ann Lobo, and Rebecca Lobo, will be recognized for their support through the years. In addition, a Pink Ribbon Mayoral Host Delegation has been formed, honoring Donald DeFronzo, Linda Blogoslawski, William J. McNamara, Timothy O'Brien, Timothy Stewart, Lucian Pawlak, and Erin Stewart.

Once again this year, the RACE IN THE PARK will bring people together, affirm community spirit, and reflect a camaraderie of respect and honor, resilience and remembrance.

“RACE Day is not only about raising money for breast cancer research, it also supports the community of survivors and honors loved ones,” explains Bray. “With generous support this year, our twentieth anniversary, Connecticut can lead the way in breast cancer research, advancing the work of dedicated researchers across our state.”

Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to volunteer on the day before, or the day of, the event. More information about volunteer opportunities is available on THE RACE website. For more information about the RACE IN THE PARK and the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, or to make a donation or learn about corporate sponsorships, visit www.ctbhi.org.