Beck offers many years of experience as chair
Texarkana’s 20th Annual Race for the Cure is being headed up by experienced leader Pam Beck.
Beck, who joined the Komen Race Committee in 2005, is chairing the event for the third time. She also chaired Race for the Cure in 2009 and 2010.
Beck made the choice to move Race for the Cure to Front Street Plaza in Downtown Texarkana this year.
“We just felt like it’s 20 years and it’s time. People telling us they would help support us and do whatever it takes.
… We were approached by different people on (the) board of Main Street Texarkana. They really are gearing up trying to get more things in downtown Texarkana. The enthusiasm they had convinced us,” Beck said.
The change of venue for the race isn’t the only change.
“We have so much new going on. We’ve moved our Party in Pink from Friday night to Thursday night. We’re hoping Thursday night will change it up. It’s going to be upscale this year. The Robert St. John Band is coming in to provide entertainment. Julie’s Deli is catering. We’re making it a little higher end with it being the 2oth anniversary,” she said.
Getting involved with Komen was a natural step for Beck, who’s maternal aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago.
“She’s from an older generation and she didn’t talk about it. … I didn’t really understand much about breast cancer at the time, just that it was cancer. Once I got involved with Komen, I learned a whole lot more,” she said. “Even when I didn’t know much about it, I knew I wanted to find a cure for it. That’s where my passion for this organization comes from.”
Race for the Cure has always been successful in Texarkana, one of the smaller markets for the event. Beck believes because at heart Race for the Cure is all about the people who’ve survived breast cancer.
“The race is about honoring those survivors. They fight every day of their lives. This is one day we can honor them and that’s my goal,” Beck said. “For me, it’s seeing survivors enjoying their day and celebrating with families and friends. To me it’s a celebration of life. … That’s what makes it special for me,” Beck said.
Beck’s hard work is appreciated by those who work at the local Komen office.
“Pam has been an amazing race chair. She has dedicated hours daily to the cause. She is committed to making a difference in these women’s lives and continuing to raise funds to assist them in services. Pam has served as a volunteer … for many years as well as our local board chair and board president,” said Amber Lawrence, director of the Komen Arkansas Southwest Region.