Each year almost 200,000 women and about 1,600 men in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 44,000 deaths each year. (National Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health) The numbers in the United States and around the world are staggering. Almost as impressive, though, are the numbers of people who participate in the Susan G. Komen Foundation “Race for the Cure.” This year in St. Louis alone almost 50,000 people walked/ran the 5 kilometer course through the streets of downtown St. Louis and raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research and prevention initiatives.

Three of those walkers were Religious of the Sacred Heart impelled to participate in support of the number of RSCJ, Sacred Heart Associates, family members, friends and colleagues who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The race is an incredible experience, even for those who do not like crowds. In fact it seems a completely “other centered” adventure.

Even the survivors in their distinctive pink T-shirts are there not just for themselves but to demonstrate solidarity with their comrades in courage. As the 50,000 walkers, runners, joggers wait for the starting signal, you can sense their common purpose and hopeful energy.

There is in the experience a deeply contemplative quality. The ultimate reality of life and death is in every step. Several companies sponsor teams who wear company T-shirts with distinctive logos, and in some cases also list the employees who are survivors or whose memory is being honored. Also poignant are the reminders of people who have died and are commemorated by loved ones wearing on their backs pink papers declaring “In memory of Jane or Larry.” Equally touching are the commemorations of survivors, also in pink: “In celebration of Carol, Joyce, Pat.” Thankfully many of these are long lists. One especially memorable family group included a woman in a pink survivors’ T-shirt, accompanied by her husband, who declared on the pink paper, “In celebration of My Wife,” and by her two sons about 7 and 9 years old, each wearing the pink statement, “In celebration of My Mom.”

Some people walk in solitude. Many make the trek in pairs and not a few of the teams stay together the entire course. One group called themselves the “Flock of Friends” and sported pink flamingo head-gear as much for the fun of it as to protect the head of their survivor recently turned bald by cancer treatment. The juxtaposition of good humor and creativity with limitation and vulnerability is a strong example of the hope, courage and commitment that mark this event.

The support of all who participate no doubt strengthens everyone’s resolve to stay with it, to work for a cure, to tend to cancer prevention. But the Komen foundation (www.susangkomen.com) is also committed in practical ways. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds remain in the community where the race is held. The proceeds help to fund breast cancer research. They also support breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for the medically underserved.

Maybe some day we could field a “Society of the Sacred Heart Team” for an event such as this. In the meantime let us give thanks that so many valiant people are involved in working toward a cure for cancer and in education to boost prevention. Every single step counts.