Race for the Cure

Saturday was the annual Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Birmingham and Jeff and I were out to run it...for the 4th time. We celebrated shaving some time off of our previous few 5K times and making it the whole distance without having to walk but what we really should be celebrating is the purpose for this event. I have a personal appreciation for those who work in the non-profit world and, especially, for those who dedicate themselves to the fight against cancer. This comes from my 3 years with the American Cancer Society, knowing just how dedicated they and other cancer organizations are to finding a cure and from my personal experience with the many volunteers, friends and family I have had who have fought and, some times won and some times lost the fight with cancer. Regardless, nothing is more inspirational than seeing the ocean of pink t-shirts worn by breast cancer survivors at the Race for the Cure, some who may have just had chemo the day before and others who are years out from their diagnosis. They are proud to be SURVIVORS...and I am so proud to be a part of something that huge.

Tonight on the news I watched a local news anchor, Brenda Ladun, talk about her personal fight with breast cancer. She is a survivor who has been diagnosed again recently and is undergoing treatment for her breast cancer recurrence. A few nights ago, I noticed that she started wearing a wig...she has lost her hair from chemo. While I may not know her, she inspires me. She is positive through something that I think would break me. I complain about waiting too long for my baby and she gives praise for her life every day that she survives. Not only does she fight her disease for herself but she is active in the community, educating women about early detection, breast self-exam and raising funds for cancer research through her own Conquer Cancer run, golf tournaments and public appearances. What a fantastic woman...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you know you need to have a mammogram, get one. Learn about monthly breast self exams and do them. Talk to your female and male family members about your risk and family history. Wear a pink ribbon. Remember those that you have lost to this disease and celebrate with a survivor...even if it is from afar.

Race for the Cure 2007