Susan G. Komen for the Cure Minnesota Affiliate
2008In January of 1992, Charlene Plitman, a lifelong resident of Minneapolis, brought Race for the Cure to the Twin Cities in honor of her mother Ada, who at that time was an eight-year survivor of breast cancer. The trauma that the diagnosis inflicted upon Ada was burned indelibly into her memory and it remains an experience that she will never forget. After her mother’s diagnosis, she became extremely sensitive to the issue of breast cancer. She learned that breast cancer is a pervasive disease that has an impact on far too many people and she was determined to heighten the Twin Cities’ awareness.
Though the first Twin Cities Race for the Cure was held in 1993, it was in October of 1998 that the Minnesota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for Cure was established. While Race for the Cure remains the primary fundraiser for the Affiliate, there are numerous other fundraising events, including Golf for the Cure, Shop for the Cure and many other for the Cure events and cause-marketing programs that raise funds year-round.
The inaugural Race in 1993 had 2,500 participants, while the 2008 Race attracted nearly 50,000. Over of the very unique characteristics of the Minnesota Affiliate is that all of its fundraising events, including Race for the Cure are primarily volunteer driven. This allows the Affiliate to maximize its investment in breast health programs. Today, the Affiliate grants funds to non-profit organization to support breast health programs throughout the state of Minnesota. Collectively, the Minnesota Affiliate has invested over $25 million to create breast cancer awareness programs and fund breast cancer education, screening, research and preliminary treatment programs for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. Charlene Plitman and David Egan serve as the Co-Executive Directors of the Minnesota Affiliate.
