Dust off your walking shoes, collect donations and prepare to Race for the Cure.

The annual 5K run/walk and one-mile fun run takes place Saturday, May 8, at Cal Expo.

Breast cancer is a major killer in the United States, and 5 percent of all disease diagnoses are men. The Susan G. Komen foundation is a leader in breast cancer research and awareness.

The foundation holds different fundraising events throughout the year, but the Race for the Cure is the main one. This year, the Sacramento Komen Foundation's goal is to raise more than $1.8 million. Seventy-five percent of all donations collected stay in the Sacramento region with the money going toward public education and awareness. The other 25 percent goes to the national organizations to assist in research for a cure.

"People want to do something to stop this disease," said Executive Director Donna Sanderson. "Some don't know what they could do, and that's where we come in. This is the chance for every person who has been affected to make a difference."

The economy has caused some state programs that would normally offer free screening to people who are at risk to close. Every Woman Counts, a state-run program, shut down in January after funding was lost. Donations make it possible for the Komen Foundation to offer, in corroboration with other organizations, free or low-cost screenings for those who show symptoms or are at risk for breast cancer.

Registration has already begun online. Individuals can participate or start a team and recruit their friends and coworkers. There is also an option to collect donations and still sleep in on race day. Sleep In for the Cure allows participants to register, collect donations and get an official T-shirt and sleep in on race day.

The Race is also looking for volunteers to assist organizers in a variety of positions. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed for water stations, sign holding and cheering.

"This is a situation that isn't going to go away," Sanderson added. "One day the stigma attached to being diagnosed will disappear, and with help from all, we can eradicate breast cancer forever."

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was started in 1982 when Nancy Komen promised her sister Susan that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer and educate the public. After Susan passed, Nancy started on her quest and is still going strong. The foundation has raised more than $1 billion so far in support of research and education.

In honor of Kay Lynn, my aunt, April 26, 1937 - Jan. 21, 2009. I miss you.

Photo #2: Our team from last year, All the Way for Kay