2007 Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chairs: The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm and Mr. Daniel G. Mulhern
Governor of Michigan and First Gentleman

“The First Gentleman and I are extremely proud to serve as honorary chairs for the 2007 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. ”

“Detroit is proud to host an event that is symbolic of a battle important to us all. So many of us of us have been touched by this disease, and all of us here today are making an important statement: We will not rest until the job is done, until we have found a cure for breast cancer. So take courage today from the survivors among us. And let the memory of the loved ones we have lost be our inspiration to keep racing toward a cure.

This is one race where everyone is a winner regardless of how or when they cross the finish line. Because of your generosity, thousands of Michigan citizens have been screened for breast cancer, and many thousands more have been educated about the importance of its early detection. More importantly, lives have been saved.

What we do here today at the 16th annual Komen Detroit race will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout this great state, and it will bring hope for their tomorrows. Thank you all for engaging your feet and your wheels and for joining your hands and your hearts in our fight against breast cancer”.

Honorary Co-Chairs: Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick and Mrs. Carlita Kilpatrick
Mayor and First Lady of the City of Detroit

"On behalf of the citizens of Detroit, I am proud to welcome everyone participating in the 16th Annual Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®.

It is an honor to host this event in our great city. This annual race is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Each participant is a beacon for someone fighting this disease and a pillar of strength for those closely affected by its devastation.

Every step and every dollar lends to the research necessary to change the outcome of breast cancer. Please know that Carlita and I along with the entire Kilpatrick Administration fully support the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® and its tireless effort to prevent, treat and cure this disease".

National Presenting Sponsor: Yoplait

“At Yoplait, we've committed ourselves to the fight for a cure. Since 2001, Yoplait has been the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. We've always thought of Yoplait as an important piece of a happier, healthier life. For 18 Years, we've played a part in women's health and well-being, promoting heart health, osteoporosis prevention and general fitness. But breast cancer is a tremendously important issue for all women. So, our contribution - and your help - feel especially critical"

“We are exceptionally proud of the Institute's partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and we congratulate them as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. We are also grateful for your involvement to help our organizations bring about a future free of breast cancer.

Just as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure was born in a promise between two sisters - Nancy Brinker and Susan G. Komen - the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is the result of a bond between a husband and a wife.

Barbara Ann Karmanos, the late wife of Peter Karmanos, Jr., lost her eight-year battle with breast cancer at the age of 46. To honor his wife's courage and to ensure that the best cancer care is available to other families in southeast Michigan, Peter made a major donation to the cancer center. His gift funds cancer research and treatment which provide hope to thousands of patients each year.

Only research will transform breast cancer from a destructive disease to a treatable condition. We are making substantial progress. Walking and running with us today are hundreds of breast cancer survivors. They are here because of the advances made over the last 25 years in prevention, early detection, advanced diagnosis and treatment. Many of these advances have been discovered at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, such as our work in isolating and preserving the world's first line of breast cancer cells for research.

The partnership between the Institute and Komen for the Cure is making a difference. Our Race is the largest Race in Michigan and among the largest nationwide. Seventy-five percent of the Race proceeds support breast cancer screening, education and special treatment programs in metro Detroit. Twenty-five percent goes to Komen's national breast cancer research grant program. The 2006 Race - once again, a record year - returned $1.1 million to local breast cancer programs. Going into our 16th year, Detroit's Race has raised $11.1 million.

Thank you for being a part of our 2007 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. Celebrate with a survivor today, introduce yourself to a new friend, educate yourself about breast cancer and enjoy the sights and sounds of a community coming together for a great cause. Know that you are making a difference. Have a wonderful time and I'll see you at the finish line.”

John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer

Rev. 5-31-2007