Thanks to enthusiastic participants, the Race to Cure Breast Cancer is that much closer to the finish line.
The first Race for the Cure, held in Dallas in 1983, attracted 800 participants. Today, the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure 5K series attracts more than 1.5 million people worldwide.
Locally, some 3,000 of them turned out on Sunday, September 17, to run or walk the course starting at the Bangor waterfront, with breast cancer survivors dressed in the signature color of the causeâpink. The five-kilometer race, now in its 10th year in Bangor, set records for numbers of participants (3,288) and total money raised (more than $180,000).
First across the finish line was 18-year-old Casey Quaglia of Bangor, with a time of 16:48. Hannah Ruhl, 16, of Lincoln, was the fastest female finisher in 21:25. But most people come for the cause, not the competition. Although participation was up 22% over last year, the real key to the raceâs success is donations, from individuals and from pledges raised by participants. One runner alone raised $5,800.
A portion of the money goes directly to breast cancer research through the Komen Foundation award and research grant program
. Up to 75% of it stays in Maine, helping support local education, screening, and treatment programs.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker, in memory of her sister, Susan, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. Since then, the Komen Foundation and its affiliate network have raised more than $750 million in the fight against breast cancer.
LESLIE BOWMAN AND TORI BRITTON
R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) was one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. This traveler on “spaceship Earth” found inspiration and renewal on his island home in Maine.
HENRY GARFIELD
UMaine’s Hemant Pendse is using Maine’s most prevalent natural resource to try to change the world’s energy future. So far, so good.
CRAIG IDLEBROOK
The spacious new Mt. View School is well designed, well equipped, and well attended—accommodating kindergarteners through high school seniors in one high-tech building.
CATHERINE SCHMITT
There’s more to Native American cooking than fresh veggies and wild game—there’s a rich history of survival that accompanies many a meal.
ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
Susan Groce, dual citizen of Orono and Port Clyde, is accomplished in many ways—from delicate etching to creating a nontoxic workplace.
JOY HOLLOWELL
Ten million people in America have a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea and don’t even know it. The good news is, these sleep specialists near you can get you rested again.
NANCY GARLAND
Old Town’s Jim Page is driven to succeed. For the past 13 years, the unassuming leader has rolled up his sleeves and gotten down to business, guiding his family’s company beyond the Maine border.
CARRIE JONES AND SCOTT K FISH
Maine was one of 10 states to create the first cap-and-trade system in the country, hoping to influence national policy. Now that the U.S. Senate has proposed a nationwide cap-and-trade plan, it’s a good time to look back on what Maine has learned over the past year and weigh the options.
BRAD EDEN
Beavers are a crucial part of Maine’s ecosystem, but too much of a good thing can become a problem.
JONATHAN CARTER
High elevation wind farms are the antithesis of “going green.”
ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
The flowering balls of tea did it. It’s time for a tea party.
MARK RICKETTS
Earl Hornswaggle -- the oldest man in Bangor.
PHOTOS BY JAMES WINTERS
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