Pink Power Lunch

Tuesday 11.16.10 was go time. I spent the past month working on the logistics, getting speakers, working with the venue on strategy and preparing to execute our 2nd Annual Pink Power Lunch. A lunch and learned geared towards HR, CEO’s and executives in local organizations to educated and empower them with knowledge.



This lunch was not about fundraising it was about experiencing the power of knowledge, friendship and community…….to experience the power of pink. This Pink Power lunch was uniquely different than many other breast cancer presentations that our guests had attended in the past. On Tuesday the lunch brought together dynamic men and women of the Tulsa community to become educated and enlightened about the realities of breast cancer and the impact it not only has on the life of the patient but how the reality has changed the way some businesses approach healthcare and the health of their employees.

Our most essential tool for a better and brighter future for all is knowledge. With that said I made sure we had speakers that could talk with our guests about what they could do within their organizations to bring Breast Self-Awareness to their employee’s year around, not just during the month of October. Our hope was that they were able to walk away from the lunch feeling empowered to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and the health of their employees.



From the feedback I have gained, I think our hope was reached. I will not bore you with all the details about the topics discussed, but it was a well rounded, educational and thought provoking 1.5 hour.

Let the festivities continue!

I guess I am glad I didn’t promise I would continue my Race for the Cure adventure in a prompt manner since it has been weeks now. My apologies, I have no excuse really except for my computer at home is totally dead, it is breast cancer awareness month and I packed up and moved across town, but other than that I have just been sitting at home twiddling my thumbs.

So to continue my Race for the Cure adventure…………I think I left off having just called daddy when I thought I had called Lindsay. I was a bit concerned about the progress of the day being the beginning was nothing short of rocky. However, I am pleased to report that race day went off without a hitch, at least for me it did. All my volunteers showed up to educated the participants and spectators on the importance of early detection and breast health.



The cheerleading groups, whom we like to refer to as Cureleaders were on time and ready to position themselves along the race course to cheer on the runners and walkers.







It was also my honor to introduce the winning cheer squad from online cheer completion we held. I was beyond elated to introduce them, just not so much beyond elated to be doing it on a stage with a mic in front of thousands.



My volunteers who helped me at the I AM THE CURE tent were eager and an extraordinary help throughout the day.



Matt came and ran the 5k, and did an outstanding job………finishing the race in approximately 22 mins. Yes, for all you math wizards out there that is averaging about a 7 min mile.



It was a wonderful day! There were smiles and love for those who have survived this awful disease, there were tears for those we have lost, there was hope, joy, victories and passion to one day find a cure.

A turn of events

It came and it went just like that. All the prep work, long hours, sleepless nights, short tempers and lots of hard work all came together on Saturday morning as we hosted the 14th Annual Tulsa Komen Race for the Cure and as fast as you could blink your eyes it was over.

Let me take you back to 5:00am as I was leaving the house and heading to the race site. I had everything I needed, minus a hoodie but that is beside the point. I pulled out of the garage and as normal for me these days I was running late, I rolled the stop sign at the end of our street, after all it was 5am who in their right mind would be out and about at that hour. As I came up to the next stop sign I saw a car round a bend behind me, I thought they must be going to the race as well because again who would be right now if they weren’t. I was just able to get that sentence to clear my cobwebbed mind when I checked my rearview mirror again and that car now had flashing blue and red lights. Are you kidding me, I am being stopped at 5am for rolling a stop sign in my neighbor where everyone is still asleep? I pulled over, pulled out my licenses and registration and was ready to receive a ticket for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign you almost couldn’t see because it was so dark or my eyes were still half asleep, either way. The police officer shined a big huge light in the direction of my car and yelled “PUT YOUR HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!” I thought this is no regular traffic stop; I am going to be arrested. Now how am I going to explain that to the race committee………….”sorry I was not able to make it to the race I HAVE BEEN ARRESTED”……….not sure that would go over too well. I put my hands and arms as far out of my driver’s winder as I could get them along with my ID.

Ma’ma the reason I have pulled you over today is that we have had reports of explosions or gunfire in the area
Ummmmm, okay
You were leaving the area so I wanted to see if you knew anything about it, clearly you do not.
No officer, I am on my way to the Race for the Cure, I have been up since 4am and have not heard anything.
I can tell you were obviously not involved
Ummmmm, do I look like someone that can’t cause problems. Well maybe I do.
I am so sorry to have bothered you, have a great time at your race.
Thank you, you have a great day!

I ginned off to the race, going the exact speed limit and coming to complete stops at every stop sign. Once I finally got to the race site I had eager volunteers already waiting for me. I got them started and then called Lindsay to ask her if she could send her husband my way so he could help me put some signs in the ground along the race route. I got her voicemail left a message and then went on about my way explaining the procedures for the day to my volunteers. I was right in the middle of explaining the price wheel when my phone rang and it was my dad. This would not typically be odd, but being my parents are two hours behind us, meaning my daddy was calling me at 3:45am this caused a bit of concern. I answered…………

Me: Hello?
Daddy: Did you just call?
Me: No.
Daddy: Is everything okay?
Me: Yes, I am out at the race site getting ready for the day.
Daddy: Are you sure you didn’t just call?
Me: Yes, I am sure. I just called Lindsay, but I didn’t call you.
Daddy: Okay, so you are sure everything is fine.
Me: Yes daddy.
Daddy: I will call mom back and tell her you are okay.
Me (thinking): What you called mom?
Me: Okay have a great day, I love you!
Daddy: Love you.

Then like a bolt of lightning it registered to me...........I called daddy rather than calling Lindsay.

I will continue the rest of the adventure tomorrow.

T-26

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.5 billion invested to date.

Since 1997, the Tulsa Affiliate has raised over $4 million. With the support of our signature fundraiser, the Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure®, we awarded over $625,000 last year towards the fight against breast cancer by funding grassroots breast health and breast cancer programs as well as national research. Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds raised by the Affiliate are dedicated to fighting breast cancer in our community. Grants are awarded each year to organizations which provide breast health awareness and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for women in Tulsa County. In 2010, grants were awarded to Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League, Tulsa Project Woman, Indian Health Care Resource Center and Young Survival Coalition. A minimum of 25 percent of net proceeds raised by the Affiliate fund national breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program.

The 14th annual Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure will take place at CityPlex Towers adjacent to the beautiful campus of Oral Roberts University on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Over 13,000 participants are expected at this year’s event featuring a Timed and Untimed 5k Run/Walk (untimed), special survivor activities and fun the whole family. Register today for the 2010 Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure!

For those of you who are not in the Tulsa area here a few additional races coming up in your communities within the month of September.

Amarillo, TX Saturday 9.25.10
Bangor, ME Sunday 9.19.10
Bossier City, LA Saturday 9.18.10
Boston, MA Saturday 9.25.10
Chattanooga, TN Sunday 9.26.10
Chicago, IL Saturday 9.25.10
Cincinnati, OH Saturday 9.25.10
Cleveland, OH Saturday 9.11.10
Colorado Springs, CO Sunday 9.12.10
Columbia, MO Sunday 9.19.10
Cookeville, TN Sunday 9.26.10
Evansville, IN Saturday 9.25.10
Grandville, MI Saturday 9.25.10
Greenville, SC Saturday 9.25.10
Lombard, IL Sunday 9.26.10
Milwaukee, WI Sunday 9.26.10
Monroe, LA Saturday 9.25.10
New York, NY Sunday 9.12.10
Newport Beach, CA Sunday 9.26.10
Portland, ME Sunday 9.12.10
Portland, OR Sunday 9.19.10
San Francisco, CA Sunday 9.26.10
Scranton, PA Saturday 9.11.10
Toledo, OH Sunday 9.26.10
Vermillion, SD Sunday 9.26.10
Wichita, KS Saturday 9.25.10

Go fundraise and run some races!!!

What a day!

Today started out a bit on the rocky side, I have to admit I was sad while driving into work. I know what you are thinking……well Jennifer anyone would be sad who has to drive as far as you do into town every day, battling all the road construction. You are right that does tend to make me sad, but today I was sad for a different reason, for today was the first day that we would be flying solo without our summer intern. Kristie was not only our summer intern; she also became a great friend. Her positive disposition in helping wherever we needed her was a breath of fresh air, but even more specific to my personal life Kristie’s fun loving, easy going, free spirited personally quickly paved a path to a great friendship. Don’t get me wrong I will miss the help, but I will miss the friend I made even more.



However, I am happy to report my day quickly made a turn in opposite direction. Following our staff meeting I noticed I had a missed called as I checked the message I began smiling……………by the time I hung up the phone I was grinning from ear to ear, for on the voice message I heard I had been selected to be in a Hard Rock Café commercial. Are you kidding me!!!!! I was super excited.

Long story short a day that I dreaded at the begin, ended up being one of the best in a while.

Love,
Jen

Chef's For the Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure in partnership with Cancer Treatment Centers of America held their 6th annual Chef’s for the Cure July 10, 2010.



This event was started by a CTCA’s Executive Chef Kenny Wagoner who like many of us had a close connection to breast cancer when his mother was diagnosed in 1997. Wagoner organized Chef’s for the Cure in 2005 as a benefit for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tulsa Affiliate. Chef’s has grown year after year as Mr. Wagoner recruits well-known Tulsa area chefs to prepare a collection of gourmet cuisines.


Each chef had their own chef gear to wear.



And all chef stations had signs indicating the dish


There were chefs still preparing their yummy cuisines.......


and there was a lot of out of this world food.....


and food for all the carnivores!


There were cute couples enjoying the eveing.


Fun ice sculptures that provided yummy drinks.


Tables full of survivors from a company sponsor.


Tables full of extraordinary people and friends.


One of the highlights from the night came when the chefs had to sing for their supper. While guests sampled all the yummy food prepared by these extraordinary chefs they tipped the ones they liked the best. At the end of the night the top five chefs song for their supper which provided more donations.










Chef Wagoner won the "Sing for your Supper".

It was an amazing night had by all.....

For any of you that have not been a part of this event I highly recommend it, it was a great time for a great cause! The evening raised over $18,000 for our Affiliate, money that will be granted back out into our community to provide a vessel in order for others to learn about, fight, and overcome breast cancer.

21st Annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

On any given Saturday morning 5am would have come way too early. However, last Saturday 5am arrived perfectly on time. After all I had been waiting for June 5, 2010 for months; I could not believe it was already here. Little did I know as I got ready for the day that it was going to be one of joy, frustration, excitement, tears and accomplishments. Amidst all the emotions, it would end up being one of the best days yet this year.


As the sun was rising on our Nation’s Capital I was preparing to volunteer for, run in, and support one of the largest Susan G. Komen for the Cure races.


My shoes were tied tight, my number was pinned on straight, a smile was on my face and in my heart…………….I was ready to go.

Because my brother is the best he got up early to have me dropped off on the mall by 6:15am. I know what you are thinking….”I will never be running in a Race for the Cure if I have to be there at 6:15am.” Hold up, get those panties out of a pinch…….the race didn’t start until 8am. I registered to volunteer at the I Am the Cure tent before the race started. The first unfortunate turn of events happened during the hour and a half I volunteered. Brace yourself for this devastating news I am about to divulge…….are you ready……I didn’t get any pictures of my volunteer effort. Okay so maybe that is not life or death, but for this photographer it almost seemed like it.

On a more positive note…………….I did get pictures from the rest of the day, and was even able to commission some help from Chad and Ashley to capture many sweet moments while I was out doing something silly like running a race.


A mom going through treatment with a shirt that says “My girls are racing for ME” and her three girls have shirts that read “Racing for MOM.”


The parade of nearly 4,000 survivors.



Country singer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Celebrity Ambassador Candy Coburn singing what I like to refer to as the Komen Anthem…’Pink Warrior’. You can read the lyrics here.


Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker sharing the promise she made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, over 30 years ago......to find a cure for breast cancer.


Dr. Jill Biden joined by her granddaughters as she speaks on her involvement with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.


Women and Men, young and younger were showing their support for the Cure!


Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure 2010 started!!


Look really hard do you see me………anyone? Anyone?


I still can’t seem to find myself amongst all these runners either, hummmm?


If I didn’t know better I would think I was trying to play where’s Waldo.


Oh look there I am! No I am not at the front of the pack setting a pace of 5:45. The winner Meghan Ridgley is my new hero she finish the 5k in 17:52 and yes she is my age. I also did not photoshop any runners out so it would appear I am running the race alone. I won’t go into the details of how exactly this pictures was able to be taken, I will leave that up to Chad and Ashley to explain if they so choose….Love you guys, I really do, I promise..I just can’t let you live this one down!!


One of many survivors running the 5k. What an inspiration these women are!!


How cute!! I have never tried running and holding hands, but it is working for these three.


I love the color combination. I am pretty sure pink goes with just about anything!!


There were so many runners, I felt honored to be among them.



The finish line is in sight!!


How empowering to see thousands of people out to support one cause…the mission to find a cure for breast cancer.


Representatives from around the globe came out to run.


Here I come around the bend and into the finish line. I have run a lot of races, and more 5k’s than I can even begin to recall, but never has one meant as much to me as this one did.


Not only is it a great feeling to simply cross the finish line, but for me in this race it was so much more. I was running for a cause, I was running in memory of my grandmother who lost her life to the disease, I was running for cousins and friends who have survived; I was running for those who just heard “you have breast cancer” and those who have been told “you are in remission”. I was running to fund research and grants; I was running for those that can’t, I was running for my employer, I was running for our future. I was running because my heart, my passion, my time, and my love lie in the arms of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Knowing now why I ran you can imagine the wave of emotions that went over me when I heard for the first time after running hundreds of races, “now crossing the finish line, Jennifer Barrington from Glenpool Oklahoma” as I finished on June 5, 2010 the Global Race for the Cure.


This however was the icing on the Georgetown Cupcake for me.


My brother


and Ashley were there to support me.


I can think of very few things that feel better than knowing you are supported by those friends and family you hold closest to you. Seeing Chad and Ashley standing there cheering me on swept away my frustration as to why I was running the beginning of the race alone and as a result why my time was not what I would have liked it to be. Their love and support meant more to me than they will ever know.


Chad and Ashley seem to think I am the department of energy……something about being on the go all the time. As a side note, the arm thing was not my idea, just wanted to state that for the record. It however goes quite well with the message on the back of shirt.......please remember and be strong!!

I have not seen the figures for the 2010 Global Race; however the 2009 Race raised over $4.7 million for education and community outreach programs in and around the Nation's Capital and across the globe. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer death….claiming a new victim every 68 seconds. Being that many of the deaths due to breast cancer occur in developing countries where education and treatment are not as readily available, it is comforting to know that 25% of funds raised through Race registration, individual and team fundraising, as well as sponsorship dollars at each Affiliates race is used for research and bridging the gap of knowledge in the less educated nations. In the words of Ambassador Nancy Brinker “where a woman lives should not determine whether she lives.”

Please help support your communities Affiliate through volunteer efforts or by participating in an upcoming Race for the Cure. I have included a list of many upcoming races and a link to each Affiliates website.

June 26th Baxter, MN
July 17th Aspen, CO
July 17th Manchester, VT
August 8th Kansas City, MO
August 14th Cheyenne, WY

These are the summer races. Most Affiliates hold their races in the fall, I will update you on the remaining races for 2010 within the coming weeks.

Thank you for your love, support, time and generosity in helping us to one day live in a world void breast cancer.

Love you,
Jen