Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Celebrating 20 Years in Northeast Ohio

Komen Northeast is looking forward to the upcoming Akron Race for the Cure, on Sunday, July 28th, and the celebration of its 20th Cleveland Race for the Cure. The Affiliate is introducing the “20 Faces of Komen Northeast Ohio” – 20 individuals whose contributions have helped shape Komen Northeast Ohio.

Bob Handlos, CEO of Firestone Polymers, is the 2013 Honorary Chair for the Akron Race for the Cure. Being involved with the Race for the Cure is a very personal matter — his wife and mother have both been touched by the breast cancer, and he doesn't want his two daughters to have any risk of going through what they did.

His wife, Julie, is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed eight years ago with inflammatory breast cancer — one of the worst kinds you can have. "It was the most shocking news of my life," he says. "The oncologist told Julie she had a 50 percent chance of living for two more years." But eight years later, she has worked hard, had excellent care from a team of dedicated doctors and is a survivor. She has had no signs of cancer for the last year.

Handlos's mother, Evelyn, passed away last January from breast cancer. "I've had very personal experience with this disease twice," he says. "I have two daughters and I don't ever want them to go through what I saw my wife and mother endure."

His role as Honorary Chair is one of awareness and publicity for the Race. "I want to be sure the community is aware of the Race and what it means to women and men that have or could have breast cancer." He works with local businesses and groups to foster participation and help raise funds.

Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio® will hold its 2nd Annual Akron Race for the Cure on Sunday, July 28, 2013, in partnership with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and locally presented by Bridgestone Invitational. The 5K Race/walk starts at Firestone Stadium, home of the Akron Racers, and finishes at Firestone Country Club where the Bridgestone Invitational will take place later that week.

Look for exciting features along the Race route. New for 2013 is the color tunnel sponsored by Run or Dye. Runners and walkers will have the opportunity to run through the color tunnel and get “pinked” with eco-friendly, powdered dye. Returning for a second year is Cliffside Key Club’s “Tunnel of Thunder.” Motorcyclists will line the Race route along South Main Street and rev their engines to cheer on runners and walkers as they pass by.

Up to 75% of the proceeds raised at the Race for the Cure will help provide access to life-saving education, screening, treatment and support programs for the uninsured and underinsured. In 2013, Komen Northeast Ohio granted over $900,000 to 11 organizations in the local community and close to 25,000 individuals will receive services. The remaining 25% funds national research to find the cures.

 “The Race is our primary source of funds for local programs that serve women and men in need in Northeast Ohio. With strong community support and increased participation in the Race, we can make an even greater impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Sean Shacklett, Executive Director of Komen Northeast Ohio. “We are humbled and excited by the commitment of the Akron community and are looking forward to continuing to build this event in the years to come.”

Learn about how you can join Honorary Akron Race Chair, Bob Handlos, at the 2nd Annual Akron Race for the Cure at www.komenneohio.org.