Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Sweat bristling on our brows. Stomach churning, regretting that Chipotle burrito from last night although it was so satisfying at the time. Muscles cramping as we breathe in the humid summer air. Thoughts of family members celebrated today drifting through our heads. Over the horizon hands clasped together we spot the bright pink balloon-engulfed finish line and glimmers of pom pom strands dancing in the morning sunlight. 'We are proud of you, we are proud of you," the Brooklyn College Cheer Squad cheers as we hug and kiss in sighs of relief that we have made it.

Usually members of Cheer New York are the ones cheering runners on, as well, that's what cheerleaders do, but on Sunday, September 14th, we were the ones in need of cheer as we competed in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Central Park to benefit organizations battling breast cancer. Cheer New York participates in a myriad of walks and runs raising money and awareness for eleemosynary causes, but it was altogether different moving from the sidelines to the center stage, our senses heightened to the sights and sounds of other cheerleaders, staff, and volunteers imparting sweet, simple phrases like, "You're almost there," and "Look at those smiles." It made us appreciate more what we do and not to take it for granted.

We also ameliorated our fundraising skills raising $700 collectively in less than a week's time with many contributions coming from Cheer New York teammates. The days leading up to the race were filled with words of encouragement and pinkening preparations (buying special socks and decorating our bodies and signs). Though we've lived together for almost two years now, it also brought us together even closer as teammates of a different kind with our shared experience of loved ones who had suffered but ultimately survived breast cancer.

We'd also like to make a special shout-out to newbie Nicholas P. who also participated, and encourage every CNY member to experience the other side of the cheer equation walking and/or running for a cause they believe in. You'll be a better cheerleader for it.-Rick & Tonika