Thousands 'Race for the Cure' in Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands attended the 23rd annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Race for the Cure at Fashion Island in Newport Beach Sunday.

Eyewitness News Orange County Bureau Chief Eileen Frere joined survivors, supporters and families to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

"Events like this get people thinking, 'Hey, maybe I should go and get that mammogram, maybe I can do my self exams.' It's a reminder that you can also be careful with yourself and watch out for yourself," Frere said.

Eyewitness News Anchor Ellen Leyva, Consumer Specialist Ric Romero, and Eyewitness News Inland Empire Bureau Chief Rob McMillan were also on hand to sign pictures.

The race gave cancer survivors a chance to celebrate their personal medical victory.

Rebecca Hultquist, a 9-year survivor, was just 33 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I got so caught up in 'this is not gonna get me' that I had to keep going, like I had to say, 'this isn't gonna get me, like I'm busy. I have three daughters. I'm a PTA mom. I have field trips to go on and dinner to make and lunches to pack,'" Hultquist said.

Three-time Olympic medalist Carmelita Jeter attended the event and says she is proud to support the cause.

"I'm a gold medal winner, I'm a world record holder, but these women here Olympians all day, you know," Jeter said. "I love being around these women or the men who are supporting the women, supporting their sisters, their wives, their cousins, their girlfriends, it's the energy."

Last year, 18,000 people participated in the event and raised more than $2.4 million.

For more information, visit www.komenoc.org.