HARTFORD, CT – March 11, 2010 – Governor M. Jodi Rell, a five-year breast cancer survivor, has been named Honorary Chair of the 17th Annual Susan G. Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure. She joins the leadership of Christa Allen, Marketing and Sponsorship Director for Westfarms Mall, who will serve as the event’s Chair.
“Governor Rell is a long-time supporter of our Connecticut Race for the Cure,” said Allen. “She comes every year to Bushnell Park to help us recognize the fundraising success of Connecticut residents on behalf of those impacted by breast cancer.”
Anne Morris, executive director of the Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® adds, “It’s important for survivors in Connecticut to see that someone who has fought breast cancer can not only survive, but thrive as Governor Rell has. We’re excited to have such a strong advocate for breast cancer early detection as Honorary Chair of this year’s Race.”
The June 5th event is part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series®, the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. Approximately 10,000 Connecticut residents, including more than 500 survivors, come together at the Race for the Cure each year to raise significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrate breast cancer survivorship, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease.
Connecticut’s Race helped Komen Connecticut raise more than $871,000 that was invested in Connecticut-based breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs and national research initiatives in 2009. In addition Connecticut research facilities received $600,000 for research to find the cures in 2009.
“I hope every Connecticut resident joins me at the Race for the Cure this year,” said Governor Rell. “It’s a great way to raise significant funds in the fight against breast cancer and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Registration is now open for the Race. Interested participants can sign up online, fundraise, and get more information at www.KomenCT.org.
ABOUT RACE CHAIR CHRISTA ALLEN
Christa Allen became involved with Komen Connecticut in 2007 by participating on the Marketing Committee for the 2008 Connecticut Race for the Cure. The following year Christa grew her involvement by serving as the Race’s Sponsorship Committee Chair in 2009.
Christa brings extensive marketing experience to the Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure from her position as Marketing & Sponsorship Director for Westfarms Mall in Farmington. In this role she is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic marketing and sponsorship plan for the center.
In addition to her involvement with Komen Connecticut, Christa serves on the Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association – CT, the Board Marketing Committee at Bristol Hospital and the Marketing Committee of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.
Christa is currently pursuing her Masters in English from Trinity College in Hartford, where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. She resides with her husband in Manchester.
ABOUT HONORARY CHAIR GOVERNOR M. JODI RELL
Governor M. Jodi Rell has held elected office in Connecticut for more than two decades. She holds the state’s highest office after serving as the 105th Lieutenant Governor for over nine years. Governor Rell also represented the 107th House District of Brookfield in the state House of Representatives where she held key leadership posts, including Deputy House Minority Leader and Assistant House Minority Leader.
Just five months after assuming the office of Governor in July 2004 after the resignation of former Governor John Rowland, Governor Rell underwent breast cancer surgery. She has long been a public advocate in the fight against breast cancer, particularly emphasizing the importance of screening and early detection for Connecticut women.
Governor Rell was sworn in for her own term as Governor of the State of Connecticut on January 3, 2007. She is the state’s 87th Governor and the first-ever woman Republican Governor of Connecticut.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Komen Connecticut Affiliate
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 and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1994 to fund research and better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community by supporting local organizations that focus on breast health issues and access to care. Seventy-five percent of net proceeds from the Affiliate stay in the community to fund local breast health programs, and in 2009 alone, the Affiliate granted $871,000 to fund 22 local breast health programs at organizations throughout Connecticut. Combined with national research dollars, Komen Connecticut has made a $19 million impact on Connecticut’s breast health and the breast cancer movement. For more information, call 860-728-4955 or visit KomenCT.org.
