On Saturday, September 14, I participated in the Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure, along with my husband, Allan, & my son, Jonathan. This is the 22nd time I’ve participated in this event, beginning in 2002 following the death of my best friend at the age of 48 due to stage 4 breast cancer. Then, the following year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time.
Last October I celebrated my 20th year as a breast cancer survivor, only to learn two days later that I had a recurrence which resulted in my surgery earlier this year. I have a long family history of breast cancer, including my mother who had breast cancer twice, 5 years apart (but passed as the result of lung cancer), my maternal grandmother & a paternal aunt both died as a result of the disease, and a maternal aunt is a survivor in her late 90’s. Needless to say, this is a cause that is an important and personal one to me.
Over the years, with the help of my loyal supporters, we have contributed thousands of dollars to help fund research, education, treatment and vital patient support services such as financial aide, transportation and counseling. Due to the generosity of these supporters and my new friends at St. John, I have reached a new fundraising record of $4100, the fourth highest fundraising amount for individual participants in the 2024 Komen Detroit Race for the
Cure.
Yes, you can have a recurrence after 20 years, but I consider that this year to be a victory for me. I have been fortunate to have received wonderful care at Karmanos Cancer Center over the years & have been blessed to have had the support of family and friends. I intend to continue to participate in this event every year to “pay it forward” - to walk for those who cannot, for those we have lost and in honor of all survivors.
Thank you, friends, for your concern & prayers during a time when Allan & I needed it most.
A final word - OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - 1 IN 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime but advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. So Know Your Risk and Get Screened!! Hopefully, one day we will live in a world without breast cancer!
Loraine
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