Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Israel Mission Delegation Trip - Day Four

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Israel Mission Delegation Trip
Day Four Recap with Dr. Ruth Oratz

Jerusalem – Oct. 28, 2010 – WE DID IT!!! Today was Race Day and what an enormous success it was! After a brief symposium this morning updating us on the state of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in the US and Israel, we all prepped for the Race.

Off to Sacher Park where thousands of women, men and children were gathering, finding their teams, meeting friends – our pink and white T-shirts emblazoned with the reason that we were all racing, running, walking and strolling for the cure. It was amazing to see hundreds of women doing warm up exercises to lively rock music. Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians, Orthodox, Secular – everyone in all sizes, shapes, colors, from every tradition and every segment of Israeli society were present and represented. After inspirational messages from Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker and Senator Lieberman we were off to the Race. The streets of Jerusalem were flooded with several thousand peaceful souls celebrating life, remembering their loved ones who could not be with us, but determined to do everything possible to wipe breast cancer off the map. As we wound up at the finish line there was plenty of water (the midday sun was strong), massages under the tent, more music, refreshments and thank yous all around. Close connections between old and new friends were strengthened. Warm and sometimes tearful goodbyes brought the circle to a close. It was a momentous day here in Jerusalem as we launched the Susan G. Komen Israel Race for the Cure. Everyone who participated, whether by joining us here today, or contributing online or supporting a friend or a team, should be proud of this major accomplishment.

This evening the delegation joined at Aish Hatorah, overlooking the Western Wall, the Temple Mount and the Old City of Jerusalem for our commencement reception – for this is just the beginning of a continued and ongoing connection between Komen and Israel. As we say, “Next Year in Jerusalem!”

Dr. Ruth Oratz, a medical oncologist, is a member of the Susan G. Komen Greater New York City Affiliate® board of directors and a delegate joining others from global and Israeli organizations to advance the breast cancer movement in a Susan G. Komen for the Cure® mission trip to Israel Oct. 25-28.