Suzy Komen Award Presented to Local Breast Cancer Survivor

( Syracuse , NY )

Traveling from a city close to us, Utica , New York , National Distance Running Hall of Fame Director, John Petrone and Manager of Affiliate Services, Diana Rowden (past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Komen Foundation in Dallas , TX , will be on hand to present The Suzy Komen Award at the CNY Komen Race for the Cure on May 8^th at the NYS Fairgrounds.  This is a special recognition given by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation each year. The Suzy Komen Award, created in partnership with the National Distance Running Hall of Fame, honors breast cancer survivors who have advanced the fight against this life-threatening disease by participating competitively in Komen Race for the Cure^® events and by volunteering in some way with the Komen Foundation.  Named in honor of the inspiration behind the Komen Foundation and the Komen Race for the Cure^® Series, Susan “Suzy” G. Komen, this is the highest national honor the Komen Foundation bestows upon a breast cancer survivor and dedicated runner.  The Suzy Komen Award honors the courage, struggles and triumphs of a breast cancer survivor and their commitment to their Komen Affiliate. 

In addition to being honored at the Komen CNY Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 8^th,

Barbara Genton will be recognized during a ceremony at the National Distance Running

Hall of Fame in Utica , New York , in July.

Diana Rowden states, “Barbara is an incredible inspiration to us all. In addition to running in the Komen Central New York Race for the Cure^® every year since it started in 1995, Barbara has participated in several other Komen Races around the country. Always a competitive runner, she has placed in the top ten survivors’ list at each Komen Race since her diagnosis. Her goal is to run in a Komen Race for the Cure^® event in every state that has one!”

Kathy Lahey, Executive Director of the Komen CNY Affiliate, nominated Ms. Genton for her outstanding commitment to the CNY Affiliate and the cause to eradicate the disease of breast cancer.  “Barbara has been an active Komen Race volunteer since 1995. However, since her breast cancer diagnosis in 1997, Barbara has been involved with the Komen Central New York Affiliate, and in 1998, Barbara was selected to be a member of the Honorary Team New Balance”, said Lahey.  The highlight of her volunteerism came this past Spring, when she was awarded the New York State United Teachers community service award for her work with the Komen Foundation.

In line with the national mission, the Syracuse Central New York Affiliate of the Komen Foundation makes its grant awards in the CNY area to promote breast cancer education, screening and treatment.  In April, 2004, the Komen Foundation awarded $325,000 to grantees in 17 counties in New York State.