Race for the Cure

A group of about 20 Airmen deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base in Southwest Asia race to raise money for the Susan G. Komen charity orgazination. The group of about 20 runners was organized by Staff Sgt. Matthew McCarthy, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron. Sergeant McCarthy was able to successfully raise more than $1,000 for donation. (courtesy photo)

Bolling Airman takes part in fight against breast cancer

Published May 5, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- As a relative of a breast cancer survivor, Staff Sgt. Matthew McCarthy, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, is one of millions of people affected by breast cancer.

His fiancee's aunt's battle with the disease led to a double mastectomy and a passion to do his part to help put a stop to breast cancer.

"Cancer doesn't affect just the person who's diagnosed with it, but their family and loved ones too," said Sergeant McCarthy. "I look at it from the standpoint, 'If my finacee had it, how would it affect me then?'"

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in women worldwide, claiming a woman's life every 68 seconds, according to statistics given by the Susan G. Komen website.

Sergeant McCarthy's personal fight to end breast cancer led to the creation of Pink Force, a running group in the Race for the Cure which currently has about a dozen members, including members of his own family; however, new members are welcome and encouraged to join or donate, he said.

His efforts also include selling breast cancer awareness bracelets and holding his own races while deployed, where he raised more than $1,000 to donate to the Susan G. Komen charity.

This year will mark the 21st anniversary of the Race for the Cure at the National Mall in Washington, which draws about 50,000 people every year. Last year's event alone raised about $4.7 million for education and community outreach programs in the National Capital Region.

Registration for this year's race June 5 began in March.

Sergeant McCarthy has several events lined up this year to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, with an overall goal of $5,000 to donate to the Susan G. Komen charity organization.

One such event is a Force for the Cure Golf Scramble 8 a.m. June 4 at the Andrews AFB Golf Club. Participants will sign in at 7 a.m. and tee off at 8 a.m. Cost is $67 for military members, $77 for civilians and $37 for course members. Cost includes a free cart, 18 holes of golf, range balls and chance to win prizes, including free golf outings, spa packages, restaurant and bar gift certificates and more.

Seregeant McCarthy's goal is to make the golf scramble a yearly event, he said.

For more information or to register, contact Sergeant McCarthy at matthew.mccarthy@afncr.af.mil or call 202-404-8203, or e-mail troy.hudson@afncr.af.mil or call 202767-5661. A minimum of $25 will go through Pink Force to benefit the Susan G. Komen charity organization. Sign up by May 28.