Fundraising leader is a first for Komen
This year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will mark the first time in its 23-year history that a man has taken charge of the annual Orange County fundraising event, the organization announced in a press release Tuesday.
Doug McKay, the district grant chair for Macy’s Orange County, is the first man to spearhead the local fundraiser for breast cancer research.
Each year, a dedicated advocate or survivor is selected to lead the non-profit’s signature fundraiser, according to the news release.
Having lost his wife to cancer at 27, McKay has been through the challenges that a family faces when someone is diagnosed.
“I’m so grateful for the chance to follow in the footsteps of past committee chairs who have done an exceptional job of laying the groundwork through hard work and dedication,” McKay said in a prepared statement.
Registration is open for the race, which will be held at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, on Sept. 28.
The event includes a breast cancer survivor parade and ceremony, as well as the 5K and expos that connect cancer survivors, advocates and family and friends who have been affected by the disease.
In 2013, more than 18,000 participants raised $2.4 million for breast cancer research. This year, McKay hopes to have 20,000 participants, the release stated.
General registration for adults is $35; for breast cancer survivors, seniors and youth, $25; kids 5 and younger, $5.
To register for the race, visit https://www.komenoc.org
—Hannah Fry