Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com from 2007 Race for the Cure)



Today's Hidden Gem: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure


I am proud to be affiliated with the station that is not afraid to take on and discuss the serious issues which matter to our customers. We, as a television station, have the means and the opportunity to educate and inform our viewers about so many pertinent items. Breast cancer awareness is one such topic we continue to tackle.


We have embraced this theme for many years including being one of the media sponsors for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.


Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins as well as anchors Mark Nolan and Romona Robinson (and so many other staffers) do stories and cover events year-round connected to the race and breast cancer awareness. This year Monica, Mark and Romona again serve as local honorary co-chairpersons.


On the 3rd day of each month, we share our Friend to Friend segment where we offer breast cancer awareness facts and personalized stories from those who are battling or have conquered breast cancer.


Monica Robins is a great champion of this issue and produces story after story on a regular basis but especially during the "Three Day" as well as the "Race for the Cure"....


Monica previews the race while giving the latest facts & figures and stories of women and families affected by this illness during her 7pm Special the Friday night before the race.


Then Channel 3 has complete coverage on race day from start to finish augmented with numerous stories and live coverage on wkyc.com.



The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Cleveland affiliate was established in 1994. They hoped to provide funding, knowledge, and support to this local community regarding breast cancer and breast cancer awareness and treatments.


The Race for the Cure website says last year alone they received 22 grants which provided women and men access to mammograms, treatments, breast cancer health education and support for those affected and their families.


If there is one bright spot when talking about this deadly illness, it is that most of the funds raised in Cleveland, for the most part, stay in Cleveland helping our friends, families and neighbors. And the ultimate goal world-wide is to one day conquer this awful disease.


Clevelanders are very giving people. They do embrace cause after cause. And there are many great causes which need to be in the public eye. One is not greater than the other.


I ask you to look within and see if there is an issue near and dear to your heart which you can embrace.


Feel free to submit a comment and share your personal story giving hope to others.


Due to the timeliness of this matter, I have made the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this week's Hidden Gem.