2008 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 2008 Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®.

All who are involved in this remarkable event are winners regardless of how or when we cross the finish line. Because of your generosity, thousands of Michigan citizens have been educated about breast cancer and have taken action to improve their own health and that of their neighbors.

Researchers working right here in Michigan are responsible for exhilarating progress in the struggle to combat breast cancer. Health care professionals on the front lines have better weapons that ever before and they are available to more and more people.

While we don't have all the answers, we know that early detection is imperative. All women must have access to early detection and quality care. That is why I support funding the Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program that provides screening to women who have no other means of finding breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage.

What we do here today at the 17th annual Komen Detroit Race will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout this great state. Thank you for what you are doing to save lives and inspire hope as you run today, and engage in the fight to end breast cancer."

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

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.

To date, Yoplait, its parent company General Mills and its Foundations have donated over $17 million to the breast cancer cause."

"A breast cancer diagnosis is given around the globe every 30 seconds, in the U.S. every three minutes. This year, 40,000 treasured lives will be lost to breast cancer in the U.S. alone.

At the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, I see how routine breast exams save lives every day. When detected early, breast cancer survival rates soar to 98 percent. I have been waging the fight against cancer since the 1970s as a physician and researcher. I've seen how far we've come and I know this is a fight we can win. However, our work is not done until one more sister, mother, wife, daughter or loved one is not lost to breast cancer.

We are continuing our significant advancements in research, which will transform breast cancer from a destructive disease to a treatable condition. Walking and running with us today are hundreds of breast cancer survivors. They are here because of the advances made 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.

I am remarkably proud of the Karmanos Cancer Institute's partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the progress we've made over the years. We are so grateful for your involvement to help our organizations bring about a future free of breast cancer.

Our Race is the largest 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 2007 Race - once again, a record year - returned $1.3 million to local breast cancer screening, treatment and education programs. Going into our 17th year, Detroit's Race has raised $13.1 million.

Thank you for being a part of our 2008 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."

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

Rev. 7-24-2008