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Voices of the Race
Dedication of the 2003 Survivor Café to Geri Lester - by Wendy Rose Bice, reprinted with permission from the Observer
& Eccentric Newspapers.
Involved with the Race as a Planning Committee member since its
inception twelve years ago, Geri lost her battle to breast cancer in May
2003. The Survivor Café was dedicated to her memory.
Geri Lester
 On June 21,
2003 some 30,000 men, women and children will converge on the
grounds of Comerica Park for the 12th annual Susan G. Komen
Detroit Race for the Cure®. I’ll be among the throng, immersed
in the excitement and mission of this dynamic event, just as I have
been for each of these past 12 years.
Sadly though, this year will be different for me, for the Race.
This year, one of our friends will not be among us.
Twelve years ago, when my daughter was an infant, a dozen of us volunteered
to help organize the 5K breast cancer awareness run and walk.
We hoped that a few hundred people who cared about this disease would
join us at the Detroit Zoo on a springtime Saturday morning. Imagine
our surprise when 3,000 registered.
In those days, we Race committee members wore many hats…from
planners to beggars to laborers, establishing many traditions and routines.
We’d meet six to eight months in advance, always on Mondays, to
begin our planning. We debated logo colors, how many bagels to
order and questioned whether we were soon going to outgrow the Zoo.
We remained steadfast in our mission to put forth positive breast health
messages and always kept the needs of breast cancer survivors at the
forefront, ensuring there would be a place for the weary to rest and
opportunities to honor those women wearing pink visors. On Race
day, we gathered on the stage, a perfect vantage point to watch the
early morning, sleepy-eyed crowds come to life.
Now, a dozen years and thousands of walkers and runners later, we can
look back at the significant advancements of this race, and more importantly,
in the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer. We know that
some breast cancers can be prevented, thanks to studies concerning the
drug Tamoxifen. Researchers have identified two breast cancer
risk genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2), allowing physicians to identify persons
of high risk. And, there has been a continued improvement in breast
cancer chemotherapy, new drugs and drug combinations including the administration
of chemotherapy prior to surgery, often allowing the cancer to be more
easily removed.
There are no age limits, no gender restrictions among the thousands
of people who return annually, coming to share the mixture of camaraderie,
joy and solemnity this Race for the Cure® brings. It’s an
addiction, I think. We return because we feel so connected to
those who stand beside us, silently or publicly honoring a friend, mother,
sister or aunt…the women who’ve survived breast cancer.
We return because we want this disease to go away so badly. And
we return because we want to be touched by the breast cancer survivors
…those brave wonderful women wearing pink visors.
In this sea of emotion though, we – or at least I -- failed to
notice one thing. I never noticed the women who were there one
year, but not the next. I forgot that in between the cheering
and singing and walking and running, women were home or in the hospital
dying from breast cancer.
It took my friend, Geri Lester, to remind me of that. Last week,
Geri passed away from the disease she fought so hard to beat, from the
disease she devoted the last 20 years of her life to making less deadly.
Geri was one of our original dozen…she kvelled at the size
of this event as much as any of us, all the while finding ways to make
it a little better.
Geri’s handiwork can be seen throughout the Race. If you
arrived early enough, you might have gotten a fruit smoothie, something
Geri insisted on providing to volunteers and survivors even as the numbers
of race participants exceeded 20,000. No matter what the weather,
Geri doggedly stood by her shake machine offering a tasty dose of healthy
goodness. Thanks to the limitless energy and brightness of volunteers
like Geri, the Race for the Cure® has managed to constantly evolve, adding
new features like this year’s Survivor Trolley, courtesy of Ford
Motor Company. The vehicle will lead off the Race, pink ribbons
adorning the outside and breast cancer survivors who are not feeling
quite up to a 5K or one mile walk sitting on the inside. Geri
was the first to reserve a seat.
But it is Geri’s spirit that reminds us of the real reason why
we continue to come. Geri strove to touch each and every survivor,
a sisterhood she knew all too well, and provide them with inspiration
and promise…or at least a fruit smoothie and a smile. She
wanted the music of hope to ring in the ears of all who could hear,
she wanted this disease to get up and fly away, never to break a human
heart again.
But, it has.
So this year, when the crowd falls silent to listen to the melodic
sounds of the bagpiper, family members who have lost someone to breast
cancer will release butterflies. At least one of those delicate
winged beauties will be in Geri’s memory. Maybe it will
be the one that inspires the next medical advance or the one that ever
so lovingly reminds us to be sure to routinely conduct breast self-exams
and see your doctor annually for clinical exams and mammograms.
Fighting and Remembering
My Grandma has breast cancer right now, it scares me. I know she can fight it.
She's a fighter. But I'm scared because she is not the only one with it in my family.
My cousin died a couple of years ago of cancer. She left her husband and one year old.
Her child's last words to her were 'I love you', and then her mother died. My Grandma's
sister-in-law has lung cancer again. My other Grandma is a breast cancer survivor.
- Anonymous
Living Life to the Fullest
Where do I begin? I am a survivor of colon cancer and have been cancer free for 5 years now.
I am also the mother of 4 beautiful kids. I would like to give something back.
My grandmother died of a brain tumor 3 years ago. I enjoy life to the fullest.
Thank you for listening to my story.
- Elizabeth G.
The First and the Best
This year's Race for the Cure was the first time for me.
I walked in memory of mother Carolyn O. that passed at about age 52,
and in honor of my grandmother who is a three time survivor. This event
was just as everyone stated "the best ever" and I will never miss another one.
- Carrie P.
Walking in Honor of a Family Battle
In April of 1995, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, at age 60.
Four days later, my 33 year old sister was also diagnosed. Both underwent
radical surgery to remove their tumors. My mother's cancer had already
spread to her lymph nodes, while my sisters remained confined to the breast.
The next seven years, proved to be the roughest of our lives. After numerous
rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, trial drugs and experimental treatments,
my mother lost her battle. She fought a courageous battle and passed at the
age of 67 on January 31, 2002. My sister, now 45, is doing well and has been
cancer free for 12 years. I have participated in one race in the past, but
hope to make this an annual event.
- Lori R.
Remembering Marietta
Marietta was diagnosed in 1996 with stage 2 lobular almost two years after my heart attack and craniotomy.
In the midst of massage therapy school she had a double mastectomy and chemo; finishing her class late
because she had not enough energy to complete 'deep' muscle sessions. She was by my side as I went through
a triple bypass and aortic valve change in October 1996. On August 31, 1997 we both watched (separately)
the program where Andy Griffith was a grandfather with congestive heart failure and when his grandson died
in an auto accident Andy was the recipient. After I turned off the t.v., my nurse coordinator called to say
a heart had been found for me. Marietta was there within the hour. Her recurrences came and were dealt with;
even a trans-flap. We came home to Michigan in 2001, to then face radiation during 2002. In 2004 we asked and
were given timelines and subsequently spent early September on Lake Michigan viewing the most beautiful sunsets
she asked for, in our quest for memorable moments. We were traveled to Chicago on September 23, our 38th anniversary
to visit our daughter. Home again the ending of September she began to leave. Our children and her siblings that could
came and on October 6, in her La-Z-Boy, all by her side she died. Marietta tried the meds best she could; hated the
Adriamycin and 5FU; we sold our country home and went to the city because we learned what 5FU really meant; anxiety,
paranoia and loneliness. Butterfly (her business-Gentle As A Butterfly) in her positive determination, tried the all
alternatives that might impeded or even rid her of the 'rash'. But it moved to her abdomen. As I moved about the house in
the months that followed, I found a book, Can you Come Here Where I Am?, signed by one of the authors, Kathryn Traynham.
That book, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Breast Cancer Site, Gilda's Club, Hospice of Wake County, Raleigh, N.C.,
Hospice of Michigan, Marietta's courage and a gracious God have taught and daily remind me PINK IS NOT JUST FOR WOMEN.
In the words of Jim Valvano (N.C. State NCAA basketball champions), NEVER GIVE UP!
- Jerry D.
Never, Never, Never Quit
Kathleen...a wonderful wife, best friend, mother of Jennifer and Nicole was taken away from us by breast
cancer in March 2002 at the age of 52. Not a day goes by that she is not thought of and missed; she fought
the fight for 13 years and even up to the day she pasted away, never giving up hope. She was and is an
inspiration to all of us ....Never, Never, Never quit was her motto. We love and miss you but know you
are up there watching over us. Thank you for the short time we had you ......you will always be in our
hearts. Love you forever- Chet, Jen and Nikki
-Chet L.
A Family Joins Together in Love
My family and I are taking part in this Race in honor of our beloved Aunt Vernel (Cynthia C.).
She is and will always be greatly missed for being such a strong woman who taught us all well and loved us deeply.
-Noel M.
A Shining Star is Ever Present
In memory of my best friend's daughter, Carrie who was a shining star and lovely person.
Carrie had just begun her life as a graduate of Pepperdine's University Law School.
She always made her parents so proud. Carrie lost her battle in 2005 after 3 years
that was courageously fought by her whole family. My heart, along with all who knew her,
will forever be missing her.
-Susan H.
Missing Mom
I just lost my young beautiful, special mother Debra Elizabeth B. on March 21, 2007,
of breast cancer. I still feel like I'm dreaming, it is so unreal to me. She leaves
three grandchildren (Alex, Tony, and Nico), and myself behind. We will all miss her so very,
very much. Her life has ended at the age of 46. WE LOVE YOU MOM.
-Lisa B.
A Mother's Courage
"Breast cancer" is familiar words to our family. My mother began her battle at the age of 29 in 1987.
She was raising two children on her own and working three jobs to do so... Cancer was not an option.
She fought and fought and went into remission for about 6 years. In 1993, I remember her sitting my
brother and me down and telling us she was going to have to fight again. I was only 10 years old at the
time, and had never heard of cancer. For four long years, we all watched her go through chemo, radiation,
bone marrow transplants, homeopathic remedies, anything so she could "watch us graduate" as she always used to
say. My brother and I were kept pretty clueless throughout everything, as she stated in her will that she
"wanted us to grow up like normal kids, playing outside with our friends, instead of worrying about mom"... Well
on Sunday, February 8, 1998, she was rushed to the emergency room while my brother and I were out to eat with my
dad and she slipped into a coma later that evening. She lost her courageous battle with cancer on Monday, February 9, 1998
at the age of 38. I have run in races in memory of her ever since, and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. And just last
month, her mother, my grandmother, was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now beginning her battle with chemotherapy and
radiation. I run in memory of Kimberley H., the most courageous, ambitious, and loving mother anyone could ask for.
I am also running in celebration of Gerladine F., who had to watch her daughter suffer and will still keep a positive
attitude for fighting for her own life.
-Lyndsey H.
Keep Your Heart Open to Love
My mother smoked a lot when I was little. Smoke really bothered me as I grew up with asthma.
To this day I still have a scar on my ankle where they had to feed me through my veins when
I was two. I grew up sick a lot with everything from bronchitis to pneumonia. My mother who
was never sick one day coughed up blood. The Doctor told her she had to quit smoking. The one
thing I thought she would never do, she had to do. From 1989 to 2002 my mother had not smoked
one cigarette. My mother had smoked for over 20 years, but was to put it down for over 10. Her
old ways outweighed her new ways. Even thought she quit smoking it was not enough. Early into
2002 my mother was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. As she battled cancer I saw her go from the highest
of highs to the lowest of lows. Chemotherapy showed me how superhuman my mother really was. My mom
is named Barbara and Lady B never quit believing. Mom began to profess her love for God and that
it is not over until it's over. I never saw my mother in a position like this before that left her
looking vulnerable. Her hair was gone, and weight was missing. Could this be the end? Only if it's
the ends of the bread. I was afraid that I would never see her smile again. I felt so bad that I
planned a trip in the summer of 2006 to take my kids to see their grandmother one last time. It
was too great to spend that quality time with her once again. I still feared for the worst that
was ahead. I was afraid to pick up the phone to call her because I thought someone would be on
the other end to give me the news we were expecting. I decided to call her one-day to check on
her. I asked her how her cancer was doing. She replied, I don't know because my cancer is gone.
I no longer think too much about death because there is so much life left in all of us. My mother
showed that no matter what you go through keep love in your heart and give it to anyone that comes
into your life. When you think life is over it is really just beginning. Thank you mom, I love you.
Your son,
-Derrick H.
Still Grieving
My daughter, Marcie, age 36, died in April, 2005 from metastasized breast cancer.
In 2004, she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer, and her prognosis was
wonderful. She had a very small tumor, 1.4 cm. with no lymph node involvement. She elected
to have the standard 4 rounds of chemo, and then decided to have a bilateral mastectomy just
so she "wouldn't have to worry." Then in March, 2005, her primary physician found her abdomen
swollen. After tests, it was revealed that it had gone to her liver. Her cancer, though, was
HER-2/neu, and her doctor did not address this. She often asked him, and his reply was that
he felt she was already over-medicated. We met with other doctors and she received the same odds.
She died believing
that she was going to beat it. Hope does spring eternal. She left us, her parents, her husband, and a
five-year-old son, Jake. Marcie was the light of our lives, and that light has gone out. Somewhere in
time I will be able to call up the wonderful memories, but right now, I am so filled with grief and
anger that I am devastated.
-Sandra Gale S.
A Mother's Story Inspires
I am a survivor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mom died in 1983-she was 57 and fought her battle with breast
cancer with me by her side. I first walked in the Race for her. It was our Race. She's in my heart!
I was 29 when she closed her eyes. In 2004, I went for my yearly mammogram a little scared about the
lump I felt on the right. The doctors reassured me my cancer was discovered on the left. I joined the
BCCCP and was treated successfully. I finished radiation shortly before my 50th birthday. In January
I had a major scare-my colon-but it wasn't cancer-I am still recuperating and looking forward to the
Race. I will walk again for mom and me!!!
-Nancy
Angel in Heaven
I will be running for my wife Allison this year. She was diagnosed at 29
with stage 4 breast cancer and she bravely fought for almost four years
before God called her to walk a different path in heaven in January
2005. Her dedication to raising funds and awareness for younger adults
with cancer is unparalleled. She made a tremendous difference in our
community (Allen Park) and touched so many lives with her story and
bravery that I was and still am blessed that I was her primary
caregiver. With love, honor and dedication to her memory I will run for
her! God Bless my Angel in heaven!
-Todd D.
Meg’s Marcher
This year marked the 5th anniversary of the passing of Meg M. She was a
wife and mother of three children. She had not yet celebrated her 40th
birthday. Some memories fade with time, but one memory that has not
faded is Meg's burning desire that her little girl Lisa and all of the
other little girls never, ever face breast cancer as a life threatening
disease. For those of us Meg left behind, this is the 6th year our team,
Meg's Marchers has participated in Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. In
2000, the year of her death, Meg's Marchers was the largest family
generated team. This year our team will have 80 members. We have five
survivors and Meg's children to remind us and inspire us that Meg's
dream will be realized.
-Susanne M.
Keys to Survival
My mother-in-law MaryEllen was only 43 when she was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She had nine children at home under the age of 15 when
she was diagnosed. She had a radical mastectomy in 1965. I did not know
this until I fell in love with her son and became part of the family. I
had surgery and my mother-in-law helped me recover and she shared her
story of breast cancer with me. She was so courageous and brave. Her
faith, family and determination were keys to her survival. She loved
life, and I know she is dearly missed by all of us.
-Debra Jean D.
Grandma
This year is going to be three years since my grandmother Gertrude
passed from breast cancer. She got it back-to-back three years in a row
(almost one year apart to-the-date each time). The last time there was
nothing that they could do for her and she knew that. However, because
of my grandma's struggle to hang on, I have the want to reach out and
help as much as possible to raise money for more research. I know that
it will help and hopefully save someone else. My daughter is four years
old and she is also involved in raising money for cancer. I think that
it is very important that people are aware about cancer. Grandma, God
bless you! We all love you and miss you very much.
-Erica L.
Inspired by Mom
My mother fought breast cancer for 12 years. Even though she has been
gone for 14 years this June, she inspires me every day with the strength
and courage she had. Shortly after her death, her sister died from it.
In their memory, I give whatever I can to fight this for my daughter and
myself.
-Patricia M.
Remembering My Mom
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer
when she was 45 and the doctors gave her a 50-50 chance of living five
years. She fought for every one of those five years and passed away on
Mother’s Day 1992. It was so hard watching her suffering through those
years, but it was a blessing in some ways as well. It brought our family
closer together and since my mom was such a fighter and loved people so
much, through her illness, she was able to touch many lives that she
never would have otherwise. I am thankful that I had such a wonderful
mom, and I will always remember all the precious things she taught me
about love, friendship and faith.
-Cheryl D.
Never Too Young
One week after I celebrated my eighth
birthday, my aunt died of breast cancer. The day we found out that she
was battling cancer was a great shock to all of us. As she fought the
disease, she lost a lot of weight, and soon became my size. One week
before she died, she told me that God’s Angels were going to come down
soon and take her to the gates – at that time, I had no clue what she
meant. My whole family and I will never forget her and the wonderful
things she did for everyone. R.I.P. Aunt Margie.
-Emily G.
Creating a Legacy
My mother fought Breast Cancer for 12
years. Even though she has been gone for 14 years this June, she
inspires me every day with the strength and courage she had. Shortly
after her death, her sister died from breast cancer as well. In their
memory, I give whatever I can to fight this for myself and my daughter.
-Patricia M.
Always My Sister, Forever My Friend
My sister Dawn B., 45 years young, lost her
battle with breast cancer on July 24, 2004. Her loss is still felt by
her parents, 9 brothers and sisters, her husband, 5 children (ages 27,
24, 21, 16 and 13), 4 grandchildren and many friends. She fought her
battle for nine courageous years, beginning with a mastectomy,
reoccurrence, stem cell transplant, reoccurrence once again and numerous
surgeries. She continued to fight until the very end not wanting to
leave her husband, children and family. Over the years, she kept her
“bad news cancer growth” to herself not wanting anyone to worry. At the
end with no pulse, her strong heart beat on for days, baffling the
nurses as to how she could hang on so long, with the cancer tumor so
large you could see them protruding from her frail body of about 80
pounds. She always gave of herself and thought only of others. Because
of Dawn's persistence for us to get mammograms and early detection, both
my sister Dee and I are Cancer Survivors today. She is loved and missed
beyond what words could ever explain. "Always my sister, forever my
friend". -Bonnie S.
Friendships Never End
In 1996-1999 I worked at a bank. I had a
co-worker there that I really got along with and we helped each other.
She happens to be deaf, but communicates very well by reading lips. I
left the company in 1999 and we just fell out of touch. I saw her in a
Meijer store recently and she told me she had breast cancer. It broke my
heart to see her looking so sad and with no hope. She was such a dear
friend to me when we were working together, that I want to give
something back in her honor (get involved somehow, volunteer). She would
not want me to pity her but I think doing something in her honor would
be something different. Please email me if I can do anything. Her name
is Beverly.
-Joann D.
Remembering A Special Niece
Twenty-five years ago I lost my sister,
Lori, to breast cancer. She was 33 years old with four children –
Michelle 13, Dawn 12, Brian 7 and Courtney 1. At that time they did not
know much about cancer. Twenty-five years later, her oldest daughter,
Michelle, a three time cancer survivor, passed away leaving two
children, Tommy 14 and Alexandra 5. Michelle was the kindest person on
earth. She was my special niece. When she entered a room, the whole room
lit up. She always thought of other people first. When my mother, her
grandmother, got sick, and even though she was sick herself, she wanted
to help and do something for her grandmother. We will always remember
Michelle as a fighter, sweet, beautiful, and the best friend any person
could have. I am so proud to be Michelle’s uncle, godfather and friend.
I will always miss her and never, ever forget her sweet voice.
-Jerry D.
Being A Friend
I had a friend named Alice L. She was a
beautiful person with a personality to match. She had a special way of
listening to your problems. I gave her the time to talk about her
dilemmas, which made me realize that my troubles, at the time, were
minimal. She told me to deal with what she was going through. Well,
eventually I had to. Being with her as she went through her battle, gave
me the strength to persevere. I had the determination and drive that I
would not let breast cancer get me down. I am 10 months away from my
five year anniversary. Thank you Alice for listening.
-Deirdre K.
It's Not Just a Woman's Thing
Hi, my story is about my first husband,
Nelson L. Flemons, who battled male breast cancer for 1 1/2 years. He continued
to work in spite of the chemo and radiation. It was too bad that his medical
doctor didn't think enough of the lump on his chest to have it tested, his words
were " it's just scar tissue, that's all". That was in 1991, Nelson was
diagnosed in February 1992, but by that time his was in his 3rd stage of the
cancer and on August 23, 1993, at the age of 46 my husband died. And a co-worker
started running in the Race, wearing a T-shirt that says "IT'S NOT JUST A
WOMAN'S THING". And last year was the first time I walked in the Race and all I
could do was cry, because of all the people, it was so encouraging to see all
the support. GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!!!!
- Sharon R.
We Pray, We Cry, We Fight, We Walk
I would like to introduce myself to all of
you who know my wonderful sister Beverly C. I am her little sister Sandy, and
there is still one more of us, the youngest Gloria. I have supported and admired
Beverly for all of her efforts in the past years regarding the fight against
breast cancer, but this will be my first walk. I always knew the importance as I
have been touched by its devastating effects since I was a very young child. Due
to recent events, I have finally decided to take a little time out of my busy
schedule to try to do a little more. As a young girl, our dear neighbors and
friends lost their mother to breast cancer. I still cry when I think about how
hard it was on the seven children and wonderful husband she left behind. As a
teenager I met a wonderful boy who had lost his mother to breast cancer when he
was only four years old. He and his two brothers were being raised by their
grandmother and although she was a remarkable woman who did a great job, he was
always so sad and regretful not to have known his mother. He is now the most
wonderful, loving, tender-hearted man I have ever known, my husband Randy, but
is so scared for the women in his life because of what happened to his mother.
My dear friend Susie has lost both breasts to cancer, but is surviving as has my
friend Virginia and she survives. What a very sad place the world would be
without these survivors and for the loss of the beautiful women who did not
survive we all morn and shed tears from time to time. We praise all these women
for their courage and strength and pray every day for a cure. Although this is
my first walk, I know it will not be my last. We are taking this battle very
personally now as our baby sister may have to wage a fight for her life against
this disease. We pray, we cry, we fight, and tomorrow we walk.
- Sandra M.
Nanny's Story
My grandmother, Martha Elizabeth Morris,
"Nanny" to us grandkids, lost her battle with breast cancer just this past
Christmas season, Dec. 23, 2003. Nanny blessed our family and everyone else that
she came into contact with for nearly 93 years. She raised her beautiful
children with great pride and devotion - the mother of 6 girls, grandmother of
13, great-grandmother of 17 - Nanny taught us all strength, courage and
determination. She lived her life as a truly successful woman, in education,
career and as our family matriarch. A graduate from Michigan College in the late
1920s, Nanny laid the groundwork for all of her children, and set the standards
that we have all become so driven to achieve in our own lifetime. In the 1980s,
her battle began, and through surgery and therapy she became cancer-free. Again
in the 1990s, she fought through it one more time. Over the course of these two
decades she never gave up her fight, never faltered in her strength, and in
October 2003, facing the battle once again she promised her girls that she was
going to fight this and win. Determined as she was, Nanny began chemotherapy,
and on December 23, 2003, after the cancer had metastasized, she grew tired.
Honored to have shared the first 29 years of my life with Nanny, I will run in
her honor on June 4, 2004 and every other year possible, not only in honor of
her memory, but in celebration of her life - the lessons, the strength, courage
and honesty she instilled in me, and her ability to survive whatever obstacle
was placed in her path.
- Hazell D.
In Memory of Cathy P.
In Memory of Cathy P., who battled breast
cancer for many years and it finally took over.
- Kari K.
In Memory of Ellen H.
Ellen H.
lost her two year battle to breast cancer on April 22, 2004.
She was 48 years old. She left her 12 year old daughter Emeleen. Ellen
was one of the most vivacious, and energetic women I ever knew. She
was always there to help whoever needed help, even in the last days of
her life she was helping others. She had a great zest for life, and
was loved for and cared about
by many many people. This brave, caring, one-of-a-kind
woman will be missed for eternity.
- Vickie H.
In Memory of June
My sister June H. had breast
cancer in 1987 at the age of 32. She died in 1998 at the age of 43. She
left behind two beautiful sons, David and Michael. We will miss you
always, June.
- Leah K.
Running for Lauren Ann
My dear friend Lauren Ann lost
her battle with breast cancer on March 25, 2004. She has left us 3
beautiful children, Kaitlin, Ian, and Torrin, as well as her beloved
husband, Earl. Lauren was one of my strongest role models of what a Mom
should be. Her kids were her world. Everything else took 2nd place.
Every good story I could tell you about Lauren revolves around her
children. Her first pregnancy turned out to be double duty with
fraternal twins. She LOVED having twins and enjoyed every moment of it.
One of my favorite stories is that when she went in for her ultrasound
with her 2nd pregnancy, she told them she didn't want to know the baby's
sex, she just wanted to know how many! Lauren taught me so much about
life. She's now broken my heart and taught me more than I ever wanted to
face about this horrible disease of breast cancer and how it kills. I am
proud to say that Lauren was my friend. I hope I can live up to the
title for her, too. I will be running the 5k race on Saturday, June 5
for her and all the women and men touched by this illness. In loving
memory, Sue.
- Sue A.
An Angel of Inspiration
This is a breast cancer story
with its beginnings in leukemia... In 1967, my aunt Dolly was diagnosed
with leukemia and given 6 months to live. Her husband Paul rushed to the
hospital in the middle of the night numerous times after having been
called and told she would not make it through the night. She was given
radiation and chemotherapy and went in and out of the hospital countless
times over the next few years. Around 1969-70 when I was about 12 or 13
years old, and Dolly was still battling leukemia, Dolly taught me a
lesson that became one of those life-changing moments that help mold who
we are. My older sister, our friend Lucy and me went to stay at Dolly's
house out of state. Dolly was the kind of person who was SO easy to talk
to about just about anything. One evening as we were all sitting around
"girl talking", Lucy asked Dolly if she could ask her a personal
question. Dolly said "sure" and Lucy then said "Does it bother you
knowing you're going to die?" There was a shocked hush from the rest of
us in the room...how could anyone ask such a thing!?!? Dolly started
laughing as we all stared not knowing what to do or say. She then looked
Lucy right in the eye and said in a very serious tone, "Hasn't anyone
told you YOU'RE going to die?" She went on to explain that we are ALL
going to die someday and that it isn't up to the doctors when we go. Any
of us could meet some unknown fate at any moment. She no more believed
doctors who told her she wouldn't live more than 6 months any more than
she believed in the man in the moon. By the 1990s, Dolly had had
recurrences and remissions but had certainly beat the "6 months"
prediction in the pants. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. This
time, the doctors told her it was likely due to the primitive form of
radiation she had had years ago to combat her leukemia. It didn't really
matter to Dolly, though. She faced it head-on with the same courage,
tenacity, and matter of fact attitude she'd always had. She had a
mastectomy and went on with life, never succumbing to self pity or
despair and never wasting a moment worrying about what the next day
might bring. In March, 1998, Dolly's husband Paul took her for a chemo
treatment. On the way home, they stopped at a store. Paul decided to
stay in the car and wait for her. When she came back out, she found that
Paul had passed away of a heart attack. That blow took a lot of the wind
out of Dolly's sails but she carried on. In March, 1999, Dolly left us
peacefully and joined her husband Paul in heaven to rest. She was an
incredible inspiration in my life. I hope her story will help inspire
others. EVERY DAY IS A GIFT!!! Doctors don't have all the answers. The
fight is yours to meet. Attitude can make all the difference. In Dolly's
case it was enough to change 6 months into 32 years!!!
- Sue A.
Tribute to Patty
Our team, Patty's Knechtions, was formed after the death of my friend,
Patty K. Patty lost her battle in February 2001, leaving her two small
children (ages 2 & 4) behind, along with a loving husband, parents,
sister, brother, and hundreds of friends and extended family. We never
want to forget the strength Patty showed us all as she fought this
disease. Every year we use the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® as our
annual tribute to Patty as well as our opportunity to contribute to
finding a cure. Our team will be there again this year, with her lovely
photo adorning the back of our shirts. Hope to see you all there.
- Linda P.
A Tale of Two Stephanies
Stephanie K, 9, and Stephanie
Strother, 9, are best friends. The Hillside Elementary students also
share something else: losing someone special in their lives to breast
cancer. Stephanie Korona lost her grandmother to the disease; Stephanie
Strother lost her mom to it two years ago.
Stephanie K's mom Christine has been
involved with the local Race for the Cure® for years, the effort that
raises money for breast cancer research. This year the two Stephanies
took it upon themselves to go about their neighborhoods with their collection
cans in tow asking folks to donate to the Race for the Cure®. Their cans
displayed pictures of their loved ones who were taken away because of
the disease.
Within a week they raised $500.
“They’re fired up about it," Christine said. The two wore their Race
for the Cure® T-shirts when they sought donations. Since the girls never
expected to raise $500, they decided to make a goal of raising $1,000
by the end of July. They finished with a total of $1,200.
Life's Lessons and the Rainbow
I've been part of the Race/Walk
(Believe me, I walk!) for 8 years. I was active before I was diagnosed
with breast cancer, and I'm proud to be a 4-year survivor. My story
is probably all too familiar to many of you - discovered my cancer during
a routine mammogram, then surgery, chemo, radiation. I had all the usual
reactions - fear, sadness, worries about my family. THEN FATIGUE!
However, I have found there are
worse things than cancer. My pink ribbon has been replaced by a black/red
one - the symbol of the grief support group Parents of Murdered Children.
On August 17, 2002, my daughter Chris was murdered in her own home.
She left two sons, then 8 and 18. Thankfully, neither of them was there
at the time. Her accused murderer was then 18.
All the methods of coping with
my cancer came into use. I recalled the value of patience, of looking
past each day, of looking past the present pain and concentrating on
the future, hopefully one of wellness and peace. I once again prayed
for inner peace, not to fear the darkness, not to worry about the small
things that don't matter. I remembered, again, to appreciate my family,
my friends, to graciously accept the help offered by others. All the
lessons I learned dealing with cancer became an integral part of my
coping with the violent death of my daughter.
I know now, that there doesn't
have to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - the rainbow itself
is enough. If anyone has time or inclination, our trial starts November
18 - we gratefully accept all prayers and good thoughts. I will see
you all at the 2004 Race - we never miss the opportunity to celebrate.
- Marcia R.
Rev. 5-25-07
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