Registration Opens for the Largest Breast Cancer Fundraiser in CT - Advancing Research Locally

2024 RACE IN THE PARK on May 11 will raise money for breast cancer research and education in Connecticut.Photo byRACE IN THE PARK

Registration for the 2024 “RACE IN THE PARK” is now open. The popular annual event will again bring people together from all across Connecticut – and 10 neighboring states - to raise money to advance breast cancer research and education, making a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer.

A statewide nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI), hosts the annual fundraising event in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park, to be held this year on Saturday, May 11, amidst Mother’s Day Weekend. It is the largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research in Connecticut.

“Research is the answer to cancer,” said Joyce Bray, president of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT-BHI) Board of Directors. “100% raised in Connecticut. 100% stays in Connecticut. And the research conducted right here is tangible and life-changing. Funds raised are targeted at measurable change, and have an impact on individual lives and the life of our families and communities.”

With generous public and corporate support from the annual event for two decades, more than $4.3 million and 107 grants have been provided for research and education initiatives, with 100% of money raised staying in Connecticut, according to CT-BHI officials. This year’s theme – the Power of One – emphasizes that every individual can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Funds raised from the RACE IN THE PARK bring statewide benefits. Grants have been provided to support breast cancer research and education initiatives across the state, including in Bridgeport, Danbury, Farmington, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, and Stamford.

Statistics pointed out by CT BHI indicate that the rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut’s population is the second highest in the United States.

To register or pledge for this event, which includes a 5K Race and Walk and 4K and 1 Mile Walks, and Kids’ Challenge, visit www.ctbhi.org. Individuals and teams are welcome. Early adult registrants will receive an early bird special price of $26, February 15 - 29, and the registration fee will then increase incrementally during the following weeks. For youth ages 13-17, registration is $20 and for children 12 & under registration is $15 to participate in the Kids Fun Run.

“Every person who participates, every dollar donated, brings us closer to the next breakthrough and ultimately a cure,” Bray noted. “This is the largest program of its kind in the state. And we are proud to support the groundbreaking research underway here in Connecticut, thanks to our dedicated donors, participants and volunteers.”

The RACE IN THE PARK – always a family-centered day - will again offer options including a 5K run, a 4K walk, a 1 mile walk, and two Kids’ Challenges (1 mile and ½ mile). Each course includes a loop around Historic Walnut Hill Park, and participants in the 5K also run through the surrounding neighborhood. Racers can expect to see enthusiastic local residents standing on their front lawns, cheering them on.

RACE IN THE PARK activities also include a Beer Garden by Five Churches, Food Trucks, a Silent Auction/Auction Raffle Tent, on-site Touch-a-Truck for kids, and live music.

The RACE IN THE PARK celebrates survivors with a wonderfully upbeat RACE Day Survivor Breakfast at the start of the day alongside the RACE course. Details on the Survivor Breakfast will be announced soon.

In recent years, researchers at MidState Medical Center, UConn Health Center, Yale University, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Middlesex Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut and Stamford Health have been among the grant recipients, as CT BHI has continued to provide grants to Connecticut facilities on the frontlines of breast cancer healthcare and research.

Recent grants have been awarded to initiatives including: Saint Francis Comprehensive Women’s Health Center Breast Health Outreach Program; Lymphedema Clinical Program at Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network/The Hospital of Central CT Rehabilitation For Breast Health; and Novel Therapeutic Targeting of Metastatic Breast Cancer and the Biomedical Engineering Department Personalized 3D Printed Breast Forms Project – University of Connecticut Health Center.

The RACE IN THE PARK brings people together, affirms community spirit, and reflects a camaraderie of respect and honor, resilience, and remembrance. Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to volunteer on the day before, or the day of, the event. More information about volunteer opportunities is available on THE RACE website.

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful family day,” Bray observes. “Volunteers are the backbone of the event. They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant.”

For more information about the RACE IN THE PARK and the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, or to make a donation or learn about corporate sponsorships – including in-kind sponsorships – visit www.ctbhi.org.