FIU Races for the Cure

The FIU swimming&diving team joined forces with over 19,000 South Florida participants to raise Breast Cancer awareness by taking part in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this past Saturday.

For the 14th year, the 5K run/walk raised money to fund quality care and research for a breast cancer cure, as all 25 members of the FIU swimming & diving squad, all coaches and numerous parents took part in the cause.

“It felt great knowing we were there supporting such a good cause together,” said sophomore Kariann Stevens, who lost her mother to breast cancer. “The team was so supportive and I loved how it brought everyone together. I am definitely looking forward to participating in it again next year.”

The team’s participation in Race for the Cure hit home for Stevens and freshman Kelly Boyd, who also lost her mother to breast cancer.

“The Race for the Cure was really special for me,” said Boyd. “It hits so close to home and it's an event that I have participated in my home town every year since my mom passed, and running in it down here with my dad was amazing. Also, knowing that my team was there supporting Kariann and me was really fun and made the race that much more worth it.”

This was a record breaking year for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate, with over 19,000 participants registered and over 900 survivors attending the Race.

“It was great running alongside the girls for this great cause and remembering not just the two moms but everyone else who is fighting this fight,” said head coach Noemi Lung-Zaharia. “It was an amazing moment when the whole team came together and it was incredible to see the parents joining us, especially the two fathers of the girls that this affects the most, who made the trip to take part in this with us.”

Assistant coach Jeni Ritter spearheaded the team’s involvement in the race as the squad also hosted a Think Pink event at last Friday’s meet versus FAU as part of a breast cancer awareness weekend. The team donned pink tank tops and hair accessories.

“Breast Cancer awareness hits very close to me personally as well as the entire team,” said Ritter. “It was great to see the team excited and energetic to participate in Race for the Cure.”