Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you to all our 2010 volunteers!

We welcome the time and talent of volunteers to help us with work prior to, on Race day, and after the Race. Remember that many shifts on Race day allow you to register as a racer or walker as well.

Corporations, groups and individual volunteers are needed in many categories before, during, and after the Race. We need YOU to make the 20th Annual Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® another victory in the fight against breast cancer. Our volunteers find that the work they do for this cause rewards them with an experience of community spirit like no other-and they have fun doing it!

• Volunteer assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Race Day volunteers can participate in the race and volunteer prior or after the race.
• All "early bird" volunteers are entitled to free parking in the parking structure.

We encourage you to register online, but if you are unable, click here to submit a volunteer form, or contact the Race office directly (248-304-2080 / raceforthecure@karmanos.org).

Fannie Williams receives the Komen Promise of One Award

The Komen Promise of One Award is given to outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond to further Komen's mission of ending breast cancer forever. Formerly the Cameo Award, the Promise of One Award recognizes the power one person can make in our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

The award, a silver Komen ribbon pin, and letter from Alexine Jackson from Komen's Board, was given to Fannie Williams on April 6 at a Komen Detroit Planning Committee meeting. Fannie has been involved in the Race since its inception, and is an integral part of our Race's overall operations, making sure all food and beverage is in place for our participants and volunteers.

When asked to share her thoughts on what the Race means to her, Fannie said: "I feel a commitment to join the fight to wipe out breast cancer which takes the lives of so many of our loved ones. I only hope that it will happen during my lifetime, but I look forward to attending the Race each year and seeing more and more survivors in their pink. That makes all the work and effort of putting on the Race worth it."

Volunteer Shining Star

Joan Love

"I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer that was identified on my annual mammogram. This diagnosis rendered me speechless. I had the love and support of my family, particularly my husband, Thurley, throughout the treatment regimen. My highest praise goes to God Almighty! In November I will be a 10 year survivor. I have a friend that walked in every race, tried to get me to walk, but I said, "It's too cold in April." I gave her money, but I didn't walk. After I got sick I purposed in my heart that if I lived, I would be walking in the next Race for the Cure-and so I did. I proudly donned my pink hat and shirt in April, 2000, and have done so every year since. Each year I increase my race activity i.e., start a team composed of church members, increase the size of the team, give of my time prior to the race, encourage my husband to give of his time, and increase my solicited donations. Race for the Cure is important to me because I believe that Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute are doing everything they possibly can to find a cure for breast cancer. I believe they are committed 100% to this mission!"

- Joan Love

Mary Mataczynski, Music Co-Chair

"In 1997, a co-worker asked if I wanted to volunteer on a Saturday morning at the Detroit Zoo for a breast cancer event. I said, "I don't know anything about breast cancer, so what can I do?" Her response surprised me. She said, "Mary, you can unload bags of bagels from trucks at 5:00 am and collect donations for the Friends for the Cure® program." It sounded easy, so I agreed. That was twelve Detroit Races ago. I was hooked! For several years I have been a proud member of the Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® Planning Committee. As co-chair of the music committee, I recruit local drummers to perform voluntarily on Race morning at the stage and near the starting line. The Warriors in Pink Drummers, Powered by Ford, rev up the participants and beat drums while survivors dance and stroll down the pink carpet. I often get asked if I am a survivor. The answer is no, I am not. But many of my friends and family members are survivors. Sadly, many friends have died of breast cancer too. I believe one person who is truly passionate about his/her mission can make a difference. My mission is to help raise breast cancer awareness, educate myself and others and ultimately find a cure. Whenever I get asked about breast cancer I try to keep these points in mind before I respond.

1. Don't try to live someone's experience because I really don't know what she is going through. If I have an open mind and a listening ear, she will be more inclined to tell me what troubles her. Then I can offer assistance in more meaningful ways.
2. Little things are magnified to a person experiencing breast cancer. While she may be troubled over small things, she will also appreciate every thoughtful thing I do or say.
3. Try not to agitate the person with breast cancer by asking every day what is happening with her problems. By letting someone know you're there and truly care, she will feel more comfortable in confiding in you at the right moments.

A friend wrote me this email last week. 'Hi Mary, I'm very happy to say I've stayed breast cancer-free for 2 years now! All my mammograms, doctor visits, lab work confirm that fact. Thanks for all your support and the huge contribution you've made for women like me. It's a privilege to support your efforts!'"

- Mary Mataczynski

Click here to view past Shining Stars.

2010 National Volunteer Recognition Program Sponsor

2010 Local Volunteer Sponsors

Volunteers, please consider helping us raise funds for the fight to end breast cancer forever. In 2009, the Friends for the Cure® program raised $895,490! That's 45% of total Race revenue (just over $2 million). Please help us fight breast cancer by collecting tax-deductible donations from family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Without this funding, our community could lose lifesaving local programs and research dollars.

One Person. One Promise. One Cure. YOU have the power to make a difference. With additional donations lives will be saved!

It's easy to do! If you are NOT registering for the Race (volunteering only) and would like to raise funds and qualify for the awards and incentives you must set up set up a personal donation page. Click here for step by step instructions.

Please click here for pictures from the 2010 Race. If you find yourself in a picture, please share a Race day memory by emailing raceforthecure@karmanos.org.

Thank you, Brandy Cline, Robin Dahlman and Paula Kaye, 2010 Volunteer Co-Chairs!