OPINION: Making an impact in memory of others

For two decades, tens of thousands of people from our National Capital community have come together on the National Mall to walk or run in the annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.  Whether walking to honor a loved one or running to raise funds that may save the life of a neighbor, we are all united in our fight to end this dreaded disease.

Make no mistake, all this walking and running has paid off.  In the U.S. we have entered into a new era of awareness, early detection and personalized medicines.  This new era is saving lives and providing hope of one day putting an end to the suffering for good.

Yet for all of our successes, this hope is not universally shared.  In capitals across the globe, women and their families do not yet fully understand this disease or appreciate the benefits of early detection.  And they live in communities with health care systems which are unable to adequately screen or treat the disease.

Here too, in the heart of our nation’s capital, many women do not fully understand the disease, are confused about early detection, and must navigate a fragmented and complex health care system, particularly for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Thanks in large part to the funds raised by last year’s event, Susan G. Komen invested $4.5 million this year in local programs to increase breast health education, screening, and support to break down barriers to accessing care. 

Capitol Hill has long supported this event.  In recent years this support has led to a friendly competition among Hill offices.  Last year, while there were a record number of teams, the Connolly Cruisers took home the title of largest Hill or U.S. Government team.  I again challenge ALL my congressional colleagues to try to take this title from us, but I must warn you: the Race is intensely personal for us. 

Since my office first entered the competition three years ago, we have dedicated our Komen Race efforts to a senior staff member’s spouse who bravely fought the disease and joined us each year on the Mall to walk the course. Sadly, Jessica passed away earlier this year, leaving a void on our team and, more importantly, in our hearts. 

While we’ve come a long way, we are not yet at the finish line.  We must keep running.  Will you join us?  Going “pink” is easy. If your office is interested in participating in this year’s Komen Global Race, whether by running, walking, fundraising or even by sleeping-in, you can create a team at www.globalraceforthecure.org.

The Race is quickly approaching, so don’t miss out on your chance to turn your office pink!

For the Connolly Cruisers, we’ll be running and walking in memory of Jessica.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.