Male Breast Cancer Survivor Receives Award at National Distance Running Hall of Fame
Male Breast Cancer Survivor Receives Award at National Distance Running Hall of Fame
Dedicated Runner Recognized for Contributions to Sport, Volunteer Efforts
DALLAS - July 18, 2005 - The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame honored Mark Goldstein of Randolph, New Jersey, with the fourth annual Suzy Komen Award. Goldstein, a 17-year breast cancer survivor, was chosen to accept this prestigious honor as a result of his advocacy and volunteer work in the fight against breast cancer and dedication to the sport of distance running.
The Suzy Komen Award
The Suzy Komen Award is co-presented by the Komen Foundation and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. Established in 2002, the Suzy Komen Award was created to recognize the contribution of the Komen Race for the Cure® Series to the sport of distance running and to honor breast cancer survivors who race competitively. The Award was named for Susan "Suzy" Komen, the inspiration behind the creation of the Komen Foundation and the Komen Race for the Cure® Series. Today, the Komen Race Series is the largest series of 5K run/fitness walks in the world with more than one million participants expected in the 2005 events.
Mark Goldstein
(l-r): Linda Kay Peterson, former chairman of the board for the Komen Foundation, Mark Goldstein, 2005 Suzy Komen Award recipient, Barbara Genton, 2004 Suzy Komen Award recipient
| | Goldstein was presented with the Suzy Komen Award at the National Distance Running Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which was held at the Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York on July 9. Goldstein was presented with a bronzed replica of the signature Komen Race for the Cure® back sign in addition to being featured in the Komen Race for the Cure® Series exhibit at the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. Goldstein was recognized along with distance running legends Don Kardong, Greg Meyer and Bob Schul, the seventh class of inductees to the Hall of Fame. "Mark was selected as the 2005 Suzy Komen Award recipient for the unique ways he has channeled his passion for distance running to help advance the missions of both the Komen Foundation and the Hall of Fame," said Cindy Schneible, Komen Foundation vice president of cause-related marketing and sponsorship. |
"As a male breast cancer survivor Mark has helped break down barriers that breast cancer only strikes at women. His work to help educate both men and women on the importance of breast health has been invaluable in the fight against breast cancer."
Goldstein and the Race for the Cure®
Goldstein's first experience with the Komen Race for the Cure® Series was the 1992 Komen New York City Race, which at the time was for women only. Completing Race entry forms for himself and his family using only first initials and last names, Goldstein wore his pink hat proudly as he, joined by his family, ran amongst the other breast cancer survivors - all women. In 1995, Goldstein became a member of National Honorary Team New Balance, visiting Komen Race for the Cure® events across the country to share his story and give a voice to other men fighting this disease.
With the Komen Orlando Race for the Cure in October 2005, Goldstein will have run in every Komen Race in the U.S. for a total of 156 Komen Races. In addition to participating in Komen Race events, Goldstein brings his advocacy spirit to others through presentations and support groups, always happy to be "in the pink." In 2003, Goldstein was named as one of the Yoplait 25 Champions for his contribution to breast cancer awareness and advocacy.
"Men shouldn't die from breast cancer out of ignorance," Goldstein said. "Who would have thought that developing breast cancer would turn out to be a positive opportunity. In this man, breast cancer gave me the opportunity; running gives me the means for recognition; God, family, the Komen Foundation and those inspirational survivors at the Komen Race for the Cure® events give me the motivation and strength to continue. The further honor of the Suzy Komen Award is just one more opportunity for me to share my story among the running community."
About the National Distance Running Hall of Fame
The National Distance Running Hall of Fame was founded on July 11, 1998 to honor and recognize the sport of distance running. Inductees are athletes who have made contributions to the sport of distance running as well as garnered fame and recognition for the sport. The National Distance Running Hall of Fame houses exhibits such as Runner's World Magazine, New York City Marathon Photo Collection, Chicago Marathon and the Komen Race for the Cure® Series. For more information about the National Distance Running Hall of Fame, visit www.distancerunning.com.
