by Tracey Padula on 2013-11-06

The 15th Annual Susan G. Komen Inland Empire Race for the Cure was held last month in Temecula. Team Rah Rah for Healthy Tatas walked along with 9,400 other participants to show their support and help with the promise to end breast cancer. The day was filled with love and support as families, friends and even dogs gathered to honor those they have lost, to celebrate those who have survived and to be inspired by those who are battling the disease. This is the fourth year Team Rah Rah for Healthy Tatas raised money and participated in the Race for the Cure. The team consisted this year of 27 people, including four survivors. Having a smaller team this year did not stop Team Rah Rah from reaching and beating their $7,000 goal. A total of $7,134 was raised, putting the team in second place for most money raised in the Friends and Family category. With Susan G. Komen, 75 percent of money raised locally stays local. Over the years, the Inland Empire Komen chapter has distributed about $6 million in grants to area groups and organizations that provide breast cancer programs and services. The team would like to recognize San Bernardino Sam’s Club members and employees, whose support contributed close to $3,000 for the cure. Once again this year, the team met so many kind individuals during their fundraising efforts and awareness-raising at Sam’s Club. Bonnie Segna, a retired Sam’s Club employee, lost her daughter in August 2012 at the age of 49. Getting involved with Team Rah Rah for Healthy Tatas was a blessing to her, as she was able to do something in Cheri’s memory. It was a great feeling to see Sam’s Club members and employees show their love and support for Bonnie. Louie Landeros, Manager of Sam’s Club San Bernardino, and 12 of his employees also volunteered in Temecula on Race Day, registering people for the race and assisting where needed. The team appreciates their partnership to raise awareness of breast cancer. The team would also like to recognize Golden Spoon in Redlands for their continued support, allowing the team to have an annual fundraiser, and Dominic Aldrete for producing the team T-shirts for the past three years.