The color pink stood mighty amongst the crystal clear sky above. The pink shirts, pink hats, pink ribbons and everything in between, truly prove that strength is best shown in numbers. Stratton’s role in the Romp to Stomp dates back to the very first event in 2003 and the event continues to grow thanks to the numerous sponsors, volunteers and participants. In the event’s eight year history, over 2,500 have taken part, raising over $300,000 in the fight against breast cancer. Today, the army of pink raised over $47,000 for research, education, treatment and screening programs, which will be distributed locally.
Rachel Rodney of Wilmington, Vermont brought together a team of 13, but only a fellow cousin would brave the elements with her dressed as a banana, a tribute to her grandmother Anna, a breast cancer survivor for over three decades.
“It’s not keeping us warm, but once we got going, our bodies started to warm up,” Rodney said.
The 625 people who gathered at the Stratton Sun Bowl for the 2010 Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer opened their hearts and pushed their bodies through the bitter cold because it wasn’t their race, but everybody’s race.
Take Alyson Ruby of Sunderland, who along with Team P-Ruby has been a Stratton Romp tradition since her mother succumbed to the disease five years ago. With the help of family and friends, the team led the way in raising over $7,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®. Team Janet, a group based out of New York, had the next highest total raising over $3,000.
“There are a lot of reasons to donate and a lot of people who gave,” said Swanna Macair, who came up from New York City to run for Team Janet, “We’re amazed especially given the numerous other charities and causes out there.”
“It’s great that we could be here today, showing our support as a resort and as a community,” said Sara Colgan, who heads up Stratton’s Health and Wellness Committee, which had a team in the event. “It doesn’t take a lot to really make a difference and fund essentials like mammograms.”
A full 100 percent of the funds raised in the Romp benefits the Vermont-New Hampshire affiliate Vermont-New Hampshire Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. The Foundation runs one of the most innovative, responsive grant programs in breast cancer today. In addition to funding research, the Foundation and its Affiliates fund community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved.
“This event brings people together that are committed to the cause,” said Wendy Miller, director of the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer series. “And because they love it so much, they bring back their friends. People that have maybe never snowshoed before, or people who have never been to a breast cancer event before.”
“It’s an incredible mix of newbies and people who are committed to the sport and the cause.”
A maximum of 75 percent of the net funds will be dedicated to support screening, education and treatment programs serving Vermont and New Hampshire residents. A minimum of 25 percent (net) of funds support the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program.
Source: Stratton: 1.31.2010
Stratton raises over $47,000 for Susan G Komen breast cancer funds
Submitted by tim
on