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Necker’s Gift of Giving Salutes Race for the Cure

The Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure is getting ready to celebrate its 27th year in Moline. This annual event takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2016. In this...

The Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure is getting ready to celebrate its 27th year in Moline.

This annual event takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

In this Gift of Giving, a portion of May sales at Necker's will go to Komen Quad Cities.

Thousands of feet stir a swift current of steps on River Drive in Moline.

"It's a sea of pink, and people are lined up from River Drive about a half-mile back," said Christina McNamara, Komen Quad Cities.

Winning is everything at Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure.

Winning a very difficult battle, that is.

McNamara knows about the rough road.

"I'm a cancer survivor and blessed to be here," she said.

She was diagnosed just three months into her job at Komen Quad Cities.

"Early detection is the key," she said.  "It's 98% curable if it's detected early."

That's why some 7,000 runners and walkers pick up packets the day before to suit up and show up.

"The message that we hope to spread is hope," said Jenny Brinkmeyer, Komen Quad Cities.

Hope that spreads throughout race day.

Their major fundraiser brings in more than $200,000 each year.

Every step in the 5K pays for mammograms, education and research.

"We provide mammograms for women without asking questions, without asking their financial situation," said McNamara.  "If women say they are in need, we believe they are in need and we help them."

Moline merchants will also pitch in this June 11th with special deals and discounts.

"None of us have not been touched by breast cancer," said Beth Lagomarcino.

13 years after that tough day, Christina McNamara remains cancer free.

"I believe that I survived," she said.  "I'm going to thrive and go forward from here and do what I can to help other cancer survivors in the community."

Like thousands of others, striding forward this June with Race for the Cure.

Check out komenquadcities.org to learn more about the event.

 

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