Thousands Walk Together to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO -- October 1, 2009 -- On October 3, more than 2,500 Bosnians, Muslims, Croats, Serbs and Jews will unite at the second Bosnia and Herzegovina Race for the Cure®, organized by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, to battle a common global enemy: breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Every 68 seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer.
“Breast cancer knows no boundaries,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and chief executive officer of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “More than 1.3 million women will face breast cancer this year. Raising awareness about the disease and promoting early detection is critical to saving women’s lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the world.”
Events like the Race for the Cure provide participants the chance to make a difference for local women because all funds raised will remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The funds raised at this year’s Race will help women purchase vital medication that significantly improves breast cancer survival, even when diagnosed at a late stage.
“We are overwhelmed by the impact of this project in places like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where last year’s Race raised enough money to provide 600 free mammograms to women who live without health insurance,” said Steven Schwager, JDC’s chief executive officer. “In fact, our expanded programming throughout Europe and the former Soviet Union will help ensure that even more women are educated about breast cancer awareness and early detection.”
This year’s Bosnia and Herzegovina Race for the Cure will coincide with the 2nd Annual Women’s Health Empowerment Program Regional Conference on October 1 and 2. The Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP), a JDC-Komen partnership program, is an innovative overseas public movement that encourages the early detection of breast cancer.
The Race for the Cure Series, Komen’s signature event, is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. More than 1.5 million participate in the Race Series annually. To donate to the Race, visit www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx and select “Breast Cancer Survival Program”. All donations received through the end of October will solely go to support the Race.
About Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP)
Established in 1995, the Women’s Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) is an innovative overseas public education movement that encourages the early detection of breast cancer—when it is treated more easily. The Program builds leadership, creates new services (such as support groups and hotlines), strengthens doctor-patient communication, and facilitates partnerships among government agencies, NGOs and the medical and health community. WHEP projects have been carried out in communities throughout the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Israel and the Palestinian territories. In 2004, JDC partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and WHEP was re-launched in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2006, WHEP was expanded to Hungary, and in 2007, it expanded into Russia. Komen and JDC are in the process of identifying a fourth location in the region in which to conduct additional WHEP activities.
About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Founded in 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) gives global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. On behalf of North America’s Jewish communities, JDC works in over 70 countries to rescue those in danger, provide relief to those in distress, revitalize overseas Jewish communities, and help Israel overcome the social challenges that beset its most vulnerable citizens. JDC also provides non-sectarian disaster relief and long-term development assistance to the world’s least fortunate populations. For more information, visit www.JDC.org .
