Since 1993, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh Affiliate has become an annual Mother’s Day tradition for thousands of residents from the tri-state area. What began with a goal of attracting 1,000 participants in its first year has grown into an event to celebrate and remember special women in the lives of more than 34,000 individuals. As the event continues to meet the changing needs of the 30-county Pittsburgh community, the promise remains the same—to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find cures. Race funds have been used to purchase portable mammography equipment, fund fellowships in women’s imaging and fund scholarships for technicians administering mammograms. Additionally, the Affiliate funds programs to reach out to underserved populations such as New Americans, African Americans and most recently, the Latina community.

In 2008, Susan G. Komen for the Cure celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Komen Race for the Cure, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world with well over one million participants since 2005. The Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.