Award-Winning Journalist Serving as Ambassador at Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure

Award-winning journalist and former co-host of “Good Morning America” Joan Lunden will serve as honorary survivor ambassador at the 2015 Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure in West Orange next month.

Lunden, who has also authored numerous books, was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in June 2014, after which she chose to make public her journey and cancer treatment.

“We are thrilled to have such an esteemed journalist as Joan Lunden serve as our Survivor Ambassador at this year’s Race,” Karen Meleta, President of Komen North Jersey’s Board of Trustees, said in a release from the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure. “She will be such an incredible inspiration to our Race participants, and especially to the hundreds of survivors who will be there. It takes huge strength—heroic strength—to do what Joan did. To put her own personal journey ‘out there’ as a living, breathing testimonial to how early detection can, and does save lives.”

Following her career at “Good Morning America,” Lunden went on to become a prominent health advocate. She said her ability and position to reach many women, combined with the legacy of her late father, a cancer surgeon, motivated her to go public with her diagnosis in 2014.

“I heard those words that every woman fears, and never wants to hear,” Lunden said in the release. “You have breast cancer. It’s like, at meteoric speed, you are propelled into the world of breast cancer. You go into warrior mode. You start asking questions. You become your own best health advocate, and then you start feeling empowered. You’re ready to fight the battle.”

The 2015 Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure, which will take place at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange on Sunday, May 3, is expected to attract nearly 5,000 people. The event will include activities such as a 5K Official USATF Run, 5K Walk, 1.5M Fun Walk and more.

For more information, to register, volunteer, start a team, or make a donation, visit the Susan G. Komen North Jersey website‬ or call 908-277-2904.