Over 15,000 people filled the streets of Cedar Rapids to race against breast cancer. The Especially for You Race raises money for those who need financial assistance for breast and gynecological cancer screenings.

On October 7, 460 teams participated in the race that started at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and finished at the Newbo Market. One of the teams was Team Tammy. Tammy’s team consisted of 27 people who were close family and friends supporting her along her battle against breast cancer. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in July of this year.

Tammy’s daughter, Mrs. Tracie Marshall, who is currently the teacher librarian  at Xavier High School, organized the team. This year was Marshall’s first year participating in the race.

“To see the team show up meant the world to me. Knowing you are walking with thousands of people who are diagnosed, or supporting the awareness, is a powerful thing,” Marshall said.

People react differently upon hearing news of their diagnosis, but Tammy views every day as a gift.

“One of the key things to do to help decrease the amount of late diagnoses is to get yearly physicals,” Marshall said. “For women, it is really important to keep on top of your health because one in eight women are diagnosed with this illness.”

Many people from the Xavier community  participated  in the race in some way, whether it was for Key Club, with the cheerleaders or on a team.

“This year made for a memorable race, as the weather did not go as planned,” senior Anna Mlodzik said. “It was a chilly, rainy morning, but the turnout was incredible. The fact that everyone still came out even in unfavorable conditions shows the dedication to supporting breast cancer research.”

This race displayed the community coming together and what the power of a city can do for an illness like breast cancer. Even though the race has ended, people’s outpour of support will continue.