Friends Walking for the Cure
(Team Mascot)
"Our team started participating in the Race for the Cure in 2004. This will be our third year to have a team. I think I started talking to some of my friends here about the Race for the Cure. Word spread and we formed a team, with attorneys, secretaries and paralegals, plus some of their children and grandchildren. The first year the weather was miserable - rainy, windy and a little cold, but everyone showed up and either ran or walked. What dedication!
The first race I participated in was in 2001, the year my sister was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I walked with my friend Harriet who had been diagnosed the previous year. I participated in the race mainly to honor my sister, but to also honor all of the other people who have been diagnosed or lost their battle with this disease. I was unable to participate in 2003 because I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of that year. That year I was too ill from the chemo to participate, but my friend Harriet and her husband Mike, walked for me.
With all the medical technology available, my breast cancer was not detected by a mammogram or ultrasound in October of 2002, but showed up on May 25, 2003. Our son�s black lab hit me in the breast and a lump came up immediately. Thinking it was just a bruise from a 60 lb. dog hitting me, I didn�t really pay much attention. On June 25, 2003, we left for Hawaii and the lump was still there and very, very sore, but I wasn�t concerned. Finally, my husband encouraged me to go to the doctor, and yes, I ended up having a malignant tumor. I have heard numerous people say "If a lump hurts, it is not cancer.� That I know for certain is not true!
I think breast cancer can either make you or break you. I think a positive attitude is truly the core to getting better. I never once asked �Why me?�. After trying to �take control� for two weeks, I finally gave it to God. Immediately a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It is amazing how suddenly I appreciated the sun coming through the blinds in the morning--something I never took the time to appreciate. Or the beautiful mountains that surround us or how beautiful the mountains look when the early morning sun is shining down and the fog is lifting . . . things we take for granted because we are too busy.
The Komen Foundation has been the main source for educational materials for me. If walking a few miles and donating money can keep one person from getting this dreaded disease, it will all be worth it."
"I have participated in this walk for the past three years because one of my best friends, Nancy, is a survivor of breast cancer. Nancy and I have worked together for about twenty-five years and have been going to the beach every year with six other friends from work for most of that time. She is an inspiration to me because she was so courageous throughout all the chemo treatments and uncertainty from day to day. She showed me how to trust God and believe everything will work out. We all have fun walking together and going out afterwards for breakfast!"
"Cancer hit my family over 55 years ago - because my dad's father died of cancer when my dad was a young man. My mother's sister and brother both died of cancer and my mom is a breast cancer survivor. She has been cancer-free for 6 years now. I don't look at this cancer monster as something that might strike, but wonder when and where it will strike again. Nancy has also been a wonderful influence for me with her involvement with The Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure. As those that participate just once will testify, it is such an overwheming experience to be a part of, that I can't imagine not doing it again in the future. Just think, over 7,400 participants and probably 10,000 people will be here!!! We NEED a cure and everyone can do their part to help."