Join us as we race for the cure June 5 (Rep. Gerry Connolly)

We may disagree when it comes to red vs. blue, but we can all agree on one color: pink.

Congressional offices have long supported the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure®, held each June on the National Mall. This year, in order to increase the buzz – and to generate some friendly competition among congressional offices – I’m asking you and your office to take part in the congressional “State of Pink Challenge” by forming a team for this year’s Race, scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Last year, 35 congressional teams joined nearly 45,000 people in the race to end breast cancer forever, but I’m sure we can surpass that this year.  My team – Connolly’s Cruisers – will hit the course for the second year in a row.

The meaning of the Global Race for the Cure to our community – and to the world – cannot be understated. Last year’s event raised $4.7 million for education and community outreach programs in the National Capital Area and across the globe.

Komen makes grants that provide vital education, outreach, screening and support services to the diverse population of people in need around the DC metropolitan region. Some local organizations that received grants this year include: Food and Friends, Sibley Memorial Hospital and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Thanks to a Susan G. Komen for the Cure® grant, wait times for a biopsy at a major cancer center in Washington, D.C., were cut by 17 percent! Let’s make this year’s impact even greater.

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 – and state – pink!