MARG AND MOM RACE FOR THE CURE
November 04, 2002
On Sunday, “CSI” star MARG HELGENBERGER and her mom, 22-year breast cancer survivor KAY SNYDER, did their part to raise funds for women afflicted with the disease.
Helgenberger, who first learned her mother had breast cancer while she was away at college, took time from her hectic filming schedule to serve as the celebrity spokesperson for the Komen Los Angeles County Race for the Cure. The event took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and the “CSI” star and her mom put on their walking shoes for the 5K walk and run.
“I don’t think I ever consciously thought I would lose my mother,” Helgenberger recently told ET’s JANN CARL about that scary time when her mother was undergoing treatment. “I know the tenacity my mother has, the person she is and she has an enormous will. Maybe it was just a young adult’s hope that their parent will live through it.”
Of all breast cancer foundations, Komen is the only one where 75 percent of the net proceeds remain in the community where it is raised. The monies are used to help uninsured women obtain access to breast health services. The other 25 percent of the Race proceeds go to fund research through the SUSAN G. KOMEN Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Research Program.
As important as the fundraising facet of the 5K is, Helgenberger knows from personal experience that the bonding that happens between breast cancer survivors is just as vital.
“I saw this with my friend LANE ANDERSON, who went with me to a tournament in Omaha recently and sat with 800 fellow survivors at a brunch,” the Emmy-winning actress reported. “That was truly a life-changing event for her. She told me that night was the first time she could look in the mirror at her scar.”
Obviously, finding a cure for breast cancer is a major concern for Helgenberger, and she is not alone. Also present at Sunday’s event were 95.5 KLOS and nationally syndicated radio personalities MARK THOMPSON and BRIAN PHELPS. Thompson’s involvement is a personal one as well. His sister lost her battle with breast cancer.
For more on the Komen Los Angeles County Race for the Cure, tune in to tonight’s ET.