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Thousands of Greeks join race to raise awareness about breast cancer

Xinhua, September 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

Thousands of Greeks flooded the streets of central Athens on Sunday delivering a message of strength and hope that breast cancer can be beaten.

Women who have survived the illness, women who are still fighting, their families, friends, co-workers and people of all ages who wanted to support patients, participated for the eighth consecutive year in the Greece Race for the Cure Against Breast Cancer.

Wearing white and pink t-shirts more than 24,000 people joined the five km run course, the two km walk and other events organized by the Greek Association of Women with Breast Cancer "Alma Zois" (Leap of Life) in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and with the approval of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, which launched the initiative three decades ago in the United States.

The annual race aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, highlight the importance of prevention and early detection to overcome fear and prejudices and celebrate life with women who have suffered of breast cancer.

In Greece 4,500 new cases of breast cancer are reported each year.

Among the people who registered and ran or walked on Sunday in memory of relatives, or friends or to show support for survivors was 15 year old Stefania. She was among the volunteers who had her hair cut to donate it for making wigs for women who lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

"I thought about my aunt who could not have hair. So, why throwing mine away instead of giving joy to a person, since I can do it and I am offered a chance to do it?" she told Xinhua.

Elizabeth said she ran for mom of her best friend who is a breast cancer survivor and currently undergoing treatment.

The proceeds of registration fees will be invested in programs run by Alma Zois for the treatment and psychological support of patients, their information on their rights, facilities offered by public services and all issues which can improve the quality of life. Funds will also be allocated for further campaigns to urge healthy women to not miss their regular medical examination. Endit