Thousands will gather to support this event, featuring incredible performances, great speakers and so much more. You can be a part of something that changes lives and saves lives.

I had a tremendous interview with the Komen Lubbock-area Executive Director Jana Hunter. She shared a lot of the exciting details about the event, which happens Saturday morning, Oct. 1 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

One of the Top 12 in Season 1 of Simon Cowell's "The X Factor," Lubbock, Texas singer Hannah Jackson, will perform at this year's Race for the Cure.

"Before the race starts, we'll have a really awesome time for survivors. We have a way for them to get together and have a little breakfast that morning, get their picture taken, and the opening ceremonies kicks off with a parade for the survivors," Hunter told me. "And so you've got thousands of people out in front of the stage, and then the drum core starts and they lead the survivors out into the crowd and Hannah Jackson will be there and she'll sing 'Brave' in addition to a few other songs, and so it's really, it's such an amazing atmosphere, to see the people that the community is helping."

The kids will also have a lot of fun thanks to a Kids for the Cure area.

"We have a Kids for the Cure area, and so BodyWorks brings out their Spider Wall, their Rock Climbing Wall...Coronado High School kids who do face painting...Harley Davidson will have their simulator there and so you can pretend to ride a Harley if you want to," Hunter explained.

And if you can't make it out, you have another option as well. Hunter describes Sleep-in for the Cure.

"People are so busy and Saturday morning may not be your favorite time, but that doesn't mean you don't care, doesn't mean you don't want to help people in this community and help find cures to this disease and so you can register at Komenlubbock.org as a Sleep In participant," she said. "You'll get the regular race t-shirt, you'll get a cute race bib, and then you'll get a nice sleep mask, a nice pink sleep mask, so that next time you're flying, and you're trying to drown out all the light, and take a nap, you've got this great sleep mask.
If you want to come but aren't up to a lot of walking, there's a 1k. It's just about half a mile, it's an easy route, it stays right there around the Civic Center, and it ends right at the entrance to the expos. so you can participate in those pr-race festivities."

The local support is so important, Hunter explained. Komen Lubbock supports our community, helping people get diagnosed early and getting those in need access to much-needed treatment. They support those who need it every step of the way. They also keep the support going for survivors.

"Seventy-five percent of the money we raise here in Lubbock stays in our service area...and it helps meet those most critical needs. You know, catching breast cancer early is critical to survival, and so we provide those Mammograms people might not be able to get...lymphodema sleeves, wigs, mastectomy bras, and prosthetic forms and access to treatment...and that continuum of care, someone might find a lump, but think 'I can't event afford the doctor's visit or the mammogram to see what it is, much less treatment, and so what's the point,'" Hunter told me.

There's a timed 5K you can walk, jog or run. There's also a 1K for people who want to contribute, but aren't able to run. There's a great play area for kids and a whole lot of support with free food, beverages, goodies, prizes. Over 20 vendors are gathering to support the race.

You can go to komenlubbock.org to get signed up or  sign up from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. today at Cardinals Sports Center on Slide at Loop 289.

Join a team or walk as an individual. Bring the kids, bring everyone. Make a difference, right here in Lubbock in the fight against breast cancer with the Komen Lubbock Race for the Cure.

I'll be out there to host the event and look forward to seeing you there!

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