Marines in Afghanistan raised more than $18,000 to fight breast cancer

Marines in Afghanistan take part in breast cancer 5K
SAN DIEGO

It isn’t much of a stretch to think that most of the pink-clad revelers at a Mira Mesa pub Saturday had little in common with the Marines in Afghanistan, but on Sunday they’ll share both a mission and a message.

Hours before an estimated 15,000 runners and walkers lace up their shoes for the 16th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Balboa Park, more than 550 Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province will do the same to raise money and awareness for breast cancer treatment and research.

Technically, the two races will happen on the same day — just with a 15-hour time difference.

Gunnery Sgt. Allan Anderson, a 28-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine now serving in Afghanistan, said he got the idea to organize a run at Camp Leatherneck in April when he took part in another Komen-related event at the base.

He decided he wanted to do something similar to benefit San Diego County residents.

Initially, he had hoped to recruit 50 runners and raise about $1,250. But by Thursday, more than 550 men and women had signed up for the race, making Camp Leatherneck’s team the largest linked to the San Diego event.

The Marines raised more than $18,000.
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