Racing for la Cura

Servando Carrasco is an honorary captain for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 'Por La Mujer Hispana' team.

Never has a simple shirt signified more for Sounders FC midfielder Servando Carrasco.

On Sunday, his mother, Gloria will don a pink shirt as a breast cancer survivor in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Seattle Center, now clear of the breast cancer that shook the foundation of the Carrasco family for five years.

“To see her in that pink shirt that they give to survivors is going to be very emotional,” Carrasco said.  “I can’t say enough about how proud of her I am and my whole family is.  We admire her so much for what she’s been through.”

Back in 2006, Gloria Carrasco was diagnosed with breast cancer and her son was by her side as often as he could be, balancing his school and soccer schedules with trips home to support his mother in her greatest time of need.

In November, she was given a clean bill of health at her five-year checkup and on Sunday, Gloria will walk in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, an annual event that helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research while also paying tribute to breast cancer survivors.

“Everything is clear, thank God,” Seattle’s second-year midfielder said.  “It’s been a very emotional year for my family.  We’re all very happy and very proud of her because it’s something you have to stare in the face and battle through.  This walk coming up is a way to honor her and express that admiration.”

Carrasco is an honorary captain for the Por La Mujer Hispana team (meaning 'For the Hispanic Woman') and will be joined by several players and staff from the Sounders FC. 

And while Carrasco has been a part of breast cancer fundraisers before, including the Sounders FC’s efforts in Breast Cancer Awareness month last year, things have a different feel to them this time around.

“It changes things from the standpoint that she is a survivor,” he said.  “Seeing firsthand what she had to go through gives me a sense of admiration for people that have gone through it and continue to go through it because it is something that changes your life forever.”

For more information on Sunday’s event, click here. (www.komenpugetsound.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/race-information/)

For more information on Por La Mujer Hispana, click here. (www.facebook.com/porlamujerhispana)