The Susan G. Komen Denver Affiliate 2013 Race for the Cure Committee. The race was held on September 29 to kick off the October observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Castle Pines Connection Advertising Account Sales Manager Cindy Cranstone (fourth from right on top row) uses her experience as a breast cancer survivor to fuel her enthusiasm.

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of A.V. Schmit Rock Solid Design

On September 29, downtown Denver was filled with a “sea of pink,” as the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen® hosted its twenty-first annual Race for the Cure. The event kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is observed nationwide in October. It takes hundreds of volunteers and thousands of participants to make this monumental event happen every year. And at the heart of the action is Cindy Cranstone, an advertising account manager here at The Castle Pines Connection.

“I started volunteering for Komen Denver two years ago and served as the closing ceremony chair for last year’s race,” said Cranstone. “This year I served on the corporate sponsorship committee. I used the experiences that I had raising funds for the Douglas County Schools while my children were growing up to propel myself to ‘knock on doors’ for Komen.”

Cranstone, like so many Komen Denver Affiliate volunteers, has a personal connection to breast cancer. This month she celebrates three years cancer-free, and since her diagnosis has looked for ways to help others with cancer.

“I have participated in the race for the Cure over the years and have viewed it from three different perspectives,” said Cranstone. “I have walked the race in honor of a dear friend’s mother, I have walked the race as a survivor, and finally I have walked the race as a volunteer that has witnessed the thousands of hours that it takes to put on an event of this magnitude.”

Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds raised by the Komen Denver Affiliate are invested right back into the Denver community. Of the funds raised last year, $2.1 million stayed right here in the Affiliate’s 19-county service area to provide breast cancer screenings and exams, diagnostics, treatments, and education. These services, provided for women (and men) who might not otherwise have the means to obtain them, are something Cranstone feels passionate about.

“I can’t emphasize enough that when it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the key,” said Cranstone. “Know your body, put your health first, and above all be an advocate for yourself. It could save your life!”

Now that race day is over, Cranstone is looking forward to the next Denver Affiliate event, The Pink Tie Affair. This evening of dining, dancing, casino games, and silent and live auctions will take place on November 9 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. As of press time, there was still time to become a corporate sponsor, donate an amazing auction item, or buy a ticket to attend.

“I have met some wonderful people while volunteering for Komen, many of whom are either survivors like myself or they are motivated by close friends or family who have had a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Cranstone. “When it comes to volunteering, it doesn’t matter how you decide to ‘give back’ or how big or small your commitment of time is, the most amazing thing happens while you are busy helping someone else—you actually end up doing something positive for your own life.”

For more information about the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Komen, visit www.KomenDenver.org.