COUNTYWIDE : Cancer Research Benefit Race Planned

A race to raise money for breast cancer research has been scheduled for late next month in Newport Beach.

Billed as the first “Race for the Cure” in Southern California, the event is one of 24 races being held across the nation. The local contest will consist of a five-kilometer and one-mile fun run or walk and will take place Sept. 27 at Newport Center Fashion Island.

Organizers say the event has a special significance for Orange County, which has the highest incidence of breast cancer in California. About 1,700 new cases of breast cancer in the county are anticipated in 1992. Throughout the nation, the disease is the leading cause of death among women ages 35 to 54.

Proceeds from the race will benefit The Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, the third largest private contributor to breast cancer research in the country.

“The selection of Orange County as the location for the first Southern California race is fitting,” said Dr. Dava Gerard, Orange County’s only female breast cancer surgeon, who founded the local Komen Foundation in 1991. “Approximately 1,695 new cases are anticipated here this year in addition to 391 deaths resulting from the disease.”