Stiletto Stampede 2012 – Running in Heels Never Looked so PINK!!

It’s the most PINK and fashionable event in Austin!  For the fourth year in a row folks have shopped and strapped on their most stylish heels and ran 100 yards to help raise awareness AND money for breast cancer research and local outreach support.
Michelle Patterson, founder of Ideal Heel™ launched the event four years ago because she saw a need to help get the word out about early detection to a younger female and male demographic.  In order to do that she said, “you have to do something crazy, and running in high heels is just that, crazy!.” 
The idea caught on and survivors, friends, families, dogs and men all participated in honor of loved ones to support the cause.  This year the Stiletto Stampede proceeds will benefit the new Seton Breast Cancer Center scheduled to open in the summer of 2013.  The center was the brainchild of two gifted women, Marcia Levy and Susan Lubin.  Susan, a breast cancer survivor, explained that during her treatment she was traveling from doctor’s office to doctor’s office.  It was not convenient and was exhausting and she new there had to be a better solution.
After Marcia and Susan simultaneously read an article in a magazine about a breast cancer center in Arizona that housed services in one place, they put in motion a plan to build one in Austin.  Nearly 4 million dollars of the 6+ million dollars needed has been raised and there is no doubt this dynamic duo will surpass their goal.
The 2012 race changed venues and moved to the Triangle.  Hundreds showed up dressed alike in their team pink outfits and others had signs of support of loved ones who are battling the disease.  One dauchaund had a sign with “Weenies for Boobies” and another runner’s said, “Yep, these are fake, the real ones tried to kill me”.
The men’s heat was by far the crowd favorite.  The guys did a great job not only looking fab in their high heels but running in 2-3” stilettos didn’t seem to be a problem  (maybe that’s another story).
It’s a year-round focus for Michelle Patterson and her volunteer committee to improve and grow the race.  Recent expansion cities include, Waco, Dallas and Houston.
When Michelle is out promoting the race and people say, “oh I couldn’t run in heels” she pops back with her response, “fighting breast cancer is a lot harder.”
See you next year for the next Fashionably Pink fashion show and the Stiletto Stampede Race Austin!
See More Pictures from the 2012 Stiletto Stampede.
www.StilettoStampede.org