KIDS FOR THE CURE

At Komen Atlanta, we realize that a diagnosis of cancer affects more than just the patient.  For every woman or man diagnosed with breast cancer, there are often children involved who are also affected by the diagnosis - the patient's children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, neighbors, friends and others.  These children should not feel powerless against the disease.  By joining Kids for the Cure, children can feel that they are making a difference and becoming part of the Cure.  We strive to make the Kids for the Cure area fun, educational and a place where children can realize that they are not alone. 

REGISTRATION LIMITED TO THE FIRST 750 KIDS - REGISTER TODAY! 

The Georgia Aquarium is donating free admission and a Behind-the-Scenes tour for the top fundraising family so get started today!

Georgia Aquarium is home to more aquatic life than any other Aquarium and holds our hundreds of species in over eight million gallons of water. Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to our mission “To be an entertaining, educational, and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging guest experiences, and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world.”

Tour highlights include many rarely seen areas such as life support of the living collection, animal care and enrichment, veterinary care and research facilities as well as the special level dedicated to educational programming. 

This year's Race will feature our 5th Annual Kids for the Cure program.  Children 12 and under can register for the Race for the Cure for just $20, which includes a youth-sized t-shirt and the option to participate in either the 5K or 1 Mile Family Walk. 

We are proud to welcome back KPMG as our Kids for the Cure sponsor!  Kids for the Cure participants can follow the brightly colored flags to the KPMG Kids Korral in the Expo area following the Race.

In the Expo area, Mother's Day Card provided by InkSpot Workshop and Georgia-Pacific, games for prizes, entertainment by Magic Man Entertainment, Dream Friends and Georgia Dance Alliance, a cupcake walk with donations from  A Little Cake Bakery, The Dunwoody Bakery, Henri's and Pure Knead and other family friendly events in the Kids Korral. 

All registered Kids for the Cure participants can pick up their free Jumpstart Gymnastics backpack filled with gifts from our fabulous sponsors like the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia-Pacific, Zoo Atlanta, Allstate Insurance, Atlanta History Center and more!

Amy Rubin, Kids for the Cure Honorary Chair

In September of 2009, at the age of 36, I felt a lump on my breast while taking a shower.  Not too concerned, I called my OB and asked if he could check it for me.  He was fairly confident that it was only a cyst but gave me a referral to a specialist just to be sure.  After a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy, I left that specialist’s office fairly sure I had some sort of cancer.  Her exact words were, “I am concerned.”  I called my husband from the parking lot and was shaking so badly I did not know if I could drive home. 

We waited all week for a phone call and on Friday, September 24, 2009, I was told that I had moderately differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma.  I would need chemotherapy and I would have to have a mastectomy.  That was the plan and there was no other option.  So, for the next year, my life was filled with doctor visits, wig fittings, chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, echocardiograms, PET scans, and much more. 

However, my life was also filled with a lot of joy and laughter.  I am blessed to have 3 beautiful children and a loving and supportive husband.  My family and friends were there even when I did not want to admit I needed help.  My community rallied – meals for my family, carpools for my kids, notes, texts, cards, phone calls, and lots of prayers.  Three years later, I am honored to be able to walk with so many survivors at the 2013 Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure and am thrilled that my children and husband will be participating with me this year.

PARENTAL SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED THROUGHOUT THE RACE AND IN THE KIDS KORRAL.

For more information on the Kids for the Cure program, please call the Komen Atlanta Office at 404-459-8700 or e-mail race@komenatlanta.org.