They were met with a brisk wind and chilly temperatures, but nothing could stop the spirits of nearly 50,000 people participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K on Mothers Day outside of the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The runners and walkers enjoyed bright sunshine as well as several booths set up in the north parking lot and common area, including a Vikings booth giving away a Mothers Day-themed Chad Greenway jersey.
Thousands of breast cancer survivors and their families and supporters signed up as teams or as individuals to participate in either the run or walk, which was held early in the morning.
The Vikings entered Team Vikings, which consisted of Vikings players, coaches, cheerleaders and staff, along with their families and Viktor the Viking, to help raise money and awareness for the cause. Around 50 Vikings staff members and family joined Team Vikings.
Vikings linebackers Chad Greenway and Heath Farwell, as well as offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, joined Team Vikings for the walk as well. Greenway was joined by his wife Jenni and their baby, Farwell was joined by his wife Julie, and McKinnie was joined by his mother, Michele Green, grandmother, Jacquline Green and godmother Arlene Jenkins.
“This cause is personal to me because my grandmother survived breast cancer twice,” McKinnie said. “My mom is also here and it’s a great day to be out here with so many supporters and survivors. On top of that, it’s Mothers Day. This is the first time my mom, grandmother, godmother and I have done an event like this together.”
In honor of his grandmother, Jacquline Green, McKinnie also made a significant contribution to the breast cancer research fund.
“My mother and godmother fought this terrible disease two times, and it’s something that has affected others in our family. We are all strong supporters of those affected by breast cancer. Awareness of the struggle is so important so we can together find the cure,” Michele McKinnie said. “I’m a part of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association, and this is exactly the type of event that we like to support with our sons. There are so many people out here this morning and it’s really touching to see all of the support.”
Since 1993, Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Minnesota Affiliate, has raised approximately $25 million that has been awarded to non-profit institutions for breast cancer awareness, education, outreach, screening, preliminary testing and research.
“It was an amazing turnout for such a good cause,” Farwell said. “My grandma passed away at 33 from breast cancer and my dad was only a teenager at the time, so it’s always been a cause that is very important to our family. I was proud to see how many people in the Twin Cities took time out of their Sunday to come and be a part of the walk.”