Mayor Rawlings-Blake Joins Komen Maryland and The Maryland Jockey Club in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Baltimore, MD – (October 6, 2011) – Tonight, the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® and the Maryland Jockey Club joined Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to host a pink lighting ceremony at Pimlico Race Course.

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pimlico officially lit the wall of their Club House pink and announced it will stay pink throughout October to help raise awareness of breast cancer. Additionally, Pimlico Good Neighbor residents have been offered pink bulbs, generously donated by Mood-factory, to light their porches pink during October.

“We have found that this specific zip code, 21215, is being severely affected by breast cancer and has the highest mortality rate in Baltimore City,” said Robin Prothro, Executive Director of Komen Maryland. “We hope this initiative will help to raise awareness of the importance of early detection. It’s time for women throughout Maryland to take action and get screened.”

An estimated 207, 090 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the United States in 2010 alone. Maryland is ranked fifth in the nation for breast cancer related deaths, further justifying the need for Maryland women and their families to have access to breast cancer prevention information and support services.

Currently, Komen Maryland funds 15 programs in Baltimore City, totaling nearly $1.5 million. These programs provide everything from education, screening, treatment and support services for not only those affected by breast cancer, but their families as well.

“Komen Maryland works diligently to provide services for Baltimore City residents, especially women who are uninsured or underinsured,” said Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “I am thrilled to be a part of an event that raises awareness of the importance of mammograms and early detection.”

Pimlico Race Course also officially announced its partnership with Komen Maryland for the third consecutive year. The return of The People’s Pink Party will help to raise funds aiding awareness and research for breast cancer on Black-Eyed Susan Day, which will take place on Friday, May 18, 2012.

“We look forward to welcoming a wonderful host of activities in celebration of this fabulous day at a time when the eyes of the world are on Pimlico Race Course,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “The day will include live music, our Lady Legends and the amazing survivors and their guests whose participation remain a constant inspiration and reminder to us all of their courage, dignity and vitality.”

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Komen Maryland Affiliate

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever, and in 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Maryland Affiliate is part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure, the Maryland Affiliate has invested $35 million in community breast cancer programs since 1993. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stays in Maryland. The remaining 25 percent funds national breast cancer research, often taking place at Maryland institutions. Komen Maryland is the tenth of approximately 120 affiliates in the Komen network to host two races—Hunt Valley and Ocean City. For more information, call 410-938-8990 or visit www.komenmd.org.