BOISE-- Boise's Race for the Cure is a little over a month away and organizers say participation and fundraising are down.
Across the nation, Race for the Cure events have seen lower participation and less money raised after Susan G. Komen tried to cut ties with Planned Parenthood. The organization reversed their decision, but races across the nation are seeing dwindling numbers.
Right now, it looks like not as many people will be racing this year compared to last. And that could have a direct impact on the people the race is trying to help.
Thousands of people Race for the Cure each year to support the work of Susan G. Komen, the nation's largest breast cancer charity.
"It is just so touching to see the women impacted by the funds raised from Race for the Cure," said Alisha Havens, St. Alphonsus Nampa.
But this year Boise's Race for the Cure may not be able to touch as many lives.
"To date we are a little bit behind on where we were last year on registration," said Hilarie Engle, the Executive Director of the Boise Susan G. Komen office.
And with registration down, so is funding. It is down 50 percent compared to this time last year.
We asked Engle if the organization's attempt to cut funding from Planned Parenthood may play a part in that.
"I think it could be," said Engle. "I hope people will recognize what our partnership is with Planned Parenthood. They are a service provider in Ada and Elmore County and Owhyee County where women in those counties don't traditionally have access to screenings."
Planned Parenthood isn't the only organization that benefits from money raised at Race for the Cure. St. Alphonsus receives money to provide free mammograms and treatment to women who can't afford it.
"Right now, we have a waiting list of about 40 women who need their annual screening mammogram who don't have any coverage, no insurance," said Havens.
The hospital will be able to give all those women screenings in June because they just got grant money raised at last year's Race for the Cure.
"Without the funding these women would definitely be impacted. This is important," said Havens.
Seventy-five percent of all the money raised at Boise's Race for the Cure stays in our community -- providing screenings and other assistance to those who need it. The remaining 25 percent helps fund research for cures and treatment of breast cancer.
For the second year in a row, KTVB is a proud sponsor for Boise's Race for the Cure.
The race is scheduled for May 12th.
Click on the link for Information about the Race for the Cure, including how to register.
