University President Joanne Glasser recently finished her breast cancer treatment and alumni are rallying support for a Team Bradley in this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
This race’s proceeds benefit breast cancer research, and it is the largest series of 5K run/walks in the world.
It began in Peoria when Susan G. Komen lost her battle with breast cancer and her sister promised she would find a way to help other women with the disease.
When Director of Alumni Publications Karen Metzinger heard Glasser speak at Chi Omega about her diagnosis, she said she felt something had to be done.
“I was so inspired by her strength and courage and someone has to lead Team Bradley,” Metzinger said, “I asked Joanne Glasser if I could start this team in honor of her and for all cancer survivors.”
Glasser approved the idea and also said she plans to attend the run/walk.
Metzinger formed a Team Bradley to participate in the race. There are also many alumni throughout the nation who are committed to the team.
“It all started with a chapter in North Carolina and has become a national initiative in support of President Glasser,” Executive Director of Alumni Relations Lori Fan said.
There are seven different Bradley Alumni Chapters committed to a Race for the Cure run/walk in their towns under the name Team Bradley.
Metzinger said the race is open to everyone who wants to show support for the Bradley family.
“We want everybody who would like to be on Team Bradley to participate whether you’re a student, a fan of the Braves, a mother, father, sister, of a student. Anyone. It’s not just for women, and it’s not just for students,” she said.
Metzinger also said students who join Team Bradley for the run/walk will get transportation to and from the event and their race day packets will be delivered to the Michel Student Center.
She said she encourages students to sign up as soon as possible instead of putting it off.
“It is critical to sign up on time,” she said. “President Glasser works hard for us and has a defined vision of what Bradley can be. We’re doing this for her and all cancer survivors.”
Registration to participate in a team ends April 18 and the race takes place May 9 at the Metro Centre in Peoria.
Students and anyone else who would like to participate can go to www.komenpeoria.org to sign up, click on register now, then join an existing team and search for Team Bradley.
There will be two buses leaving from the student center at 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. to take students to the event on the day of the race.
Another event will take place on campus to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life takes place at 6 p.m. on May 1.
Teams and individuals can sign up until the day of the event, but the event’s co-chair Annie Azriel recommends registering earlier, since each team is asked to raise $1,000 and each individual $100.
