The Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen announced Marilyn Bielema, mother of Arkansas Razorback Head Football Coach Bret Bielema, will join Shelley McMillon as an honorary co-chair for the 2014 Annual Komen Ozark Race for the Cure on April 26, 2014.
Bielema is a three-time breast cancer survivor and a passionate supporter of breast cancer research and awareness.
“If my story can help one woman make the decision to get her mammogram, then everything I have been through is worth it,” said Bielema. “I am so excited to come to Arkansas and celebrate the wonderful people who make this race great. As a mom and a survivor, there is no other place I want to be on April 26.”
Bielema is a retired day care operator and still lives Prophetstown, Ill., where she and Arnie, her husband of 53 years, raised their family.
“As a fellow survivor, I have been inspired by Marilyn’s story, “said Kari Nikolish, president of the Komen Ozark Affiliate board of directors. “She is a passionate advocate for women’s breast health and I admire her courage. We are very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic champion come be part of the Komen Ozark team this year.”
This is the 16th year the race will be held in Northwest Arkansas and the sixth year racers will run the course at the Pinnacle Promenade in Rogers. Registration is open and teams are currently forming.