The fight against breast cancer started my sophomore year in high school. It started with my mom's diagnosis with breast cancer. In 2007, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It became evident that this was a problem that was not going to go away and I wanted to do something about it. After graduating nursing school in 2008, I decided this was the time to start my own battle against breast cancer. The hospital I worked for had a Susan G Komen Race for the Cure team. I joined the team and took on the challenge to raise $100. Within 3 days, I had met that goal and decided to increase my goal again. Low and behold, I met that goal! That's when the fundraising addiction began! I made a new goal to raise $1000. With the support of many Many MANY people, I surpassed that goal!
The wonderful thing about raising money for Komen is that 75% of all donations stay in our community! The money helps educate people in our community about breast cancer and how to prevent it. It assists patients that may have difficulty getting to their treatment, paying their bills or buying groceries. And the money offers people in our community with no insurance (or the UNDER insured) with free or discounted mammograms!!!
Imagine, that you've done your self breast exam and find a lump. That is one of the scariest discoveries anyone can make. Wonder if you don't have insurance? Or your insurance company won't pay for a mammogram? You now have a shoulder that's burdened with more than just the lump you detected. Individuals have options, because of fundraising efforts by Susan G Komen. You may receive a free or discounted mammogram because of money raised. And that, my friends, is how this saves lives.
I think everyone has a passion. And breast cancer awareness, prevention and fundraising has become mine. There is one morning a year that I enjoy waking up at 4:30. There is one morning a year I enjoy running. The Race for the Cure is my Christmas morning. I'm surrounded by a sea of pink and people that share my passion. I love it!
These are some of the faces that have supported me!
