20 Faces of Komen Columbus: Week Four

Since this May 19, 2012 will be the 20^th Annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, for the next 20 weeks we’re going to spotlight 20 individuals who have participated in the Race throughout the years. They come from all walks of life and may be survivors, volunteers, grantees, sponsors or advocates, but they’re all committed to the fight against breast cancer.

Week 4: The Pink Lady

When Georgeann Corey ran the first Race for the Cure in 1993, she did so to honor a dear friend who had been diagnosed and to support her husband, whose law firm was a corporate sponsor of the event. Georgeann had also lost a grandmother and two aunts to the disease and had seen a cousin, close friends and neighbors battle breast cancer as well.

Georgeann and her son Michael at the 2006 Race.

“All of a sudden it felt like it was an epidemic of breast cancer of family, friends and relatives,” Georgeann said.

Of that first Race, Georgeann remembers a relatively small group of women who wanted to be heard and show how strong they were after their diagnosis.

After being motivated to get involved by watching those women, Georgeann started volunteering with the development committee of Komen Columbus.

Not long after, Georgeann faced her own breast cancer diagnosis.

“After I was diagnosed, I really got involved more because I knew the importance of getting our message out and wanting to survive this disease and to understand more,” Georgeann said.

Initially Georgeann didn’t want to wear the pink Survivor hat and t-shirt on Race day.

Georgeann at the street corner she sponsors every year in honor of her husband.

“I didn’t want people to look at me differently because I was raised to think that cancer meant a death sentence. Because I had seen so much, I was very proud about beating it and wanting to do it on my own and not have people look at me differently than how I really was. I just wanted to be Georgeann and not be ‘Georgeann who has breast cancer’ and not ‘Georgeann who had bilateral mastectomies.’ Even when I went to corporate people to try to obtain sponsorships, I never told them I was a breast cancer survivor, but I talked about what it was like for someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the treatment, and what families go through with the aches and pains of cancer. Some of my closest friends never knew. I didn’t even tell my mother about my diagnosis until three months after I’d beaten it because my aunt had just died.”

Georgeann kept volunteering to understand more about breast cancer and not only learn about what she was going through, but how to help others going through a similar experience.

Throughout her years volunteering with Komen Columbus, Georgeann made lifelong friendships with a group of ladies self-named the “pink witches.” Working together on the development committee, they continue to meet monthly to talk about anything and everything pink.

“For holidays we always exchange something pink if we can, but we’re all supportive of Komen and we walk together at the Race. We love Komen and what it stands for,” Georgeann said.

It’s the Komen mission of saving lives and finding a cure for breast cancer that has kept Georgeann volunteering all these years. In 2006 she was recognized as the Sun Chips Volunteer of the Year for her work with Komen Columbus.

“When we go into offices to raise money [through corporate sponsorship,] we’re not here to have people feel sorry for us as women, we’re here to educate them on breast cancer and the need for money for research and new technology. We need to be able to diagnose women earlier and to help the underserved women who don’t have money for a mammogram or ultrasound or medical treatment,” Georgeann said.

Georgeann (right) and one of her "Pink Ladies," Mimi Dane.

Through 19 years of Race for the Cures, Georgeann only missed one Race to attend her son’s college graduation in 2005. She’s certainly seen the Race participant numbers grow, but has also seen the diversity of participants grow.

“It’s not just women, it’s men. Cancer really affects everyone. The age [at which people are being diagnosed] has really been astounding to me, as there are more younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s and 30s,” Georgeann said.

From left to right, Sue Jones (another Pink lady,) Georgeann, Nancy G. Brinker, Stan and Cindy Mansfield.

The biggest change Georgeann has seen is the number of people talking about breast cancer now.

“They’re not afraid to say, ‘my mother, my aunt, my grandmother, somebody had breast cancer.’ That’s completely different than ten years ago.”

We’re grateful Georgeann decided to get involved so many years ago and look forward to many more years of good health and community involvement for her.

“It really is a survivor’s dream that we have brought this to the surface, and that we can talk about it and say ‘breast’ without feeling funny about it,” Georgeann said. “This year I’m most looking forward to another year of survivorship, and another record-setting number of people and another record-setting amount of corporate money raised to fight breast cancer. I will run every race until there’s a cure.”

If you’re interested in following in Georgeann’s footsteps and helping with corporate fundraising, please let us know. We hope you’ll join Georgeann on May 19 and register today.

Three Faces of Breast Cancer

Upon meeting Ronda, Julie and Diane, you never would have guessed that just a year ago they were perfect strangers. It took a life-changing diagnosis and an online chat room for them to meet.

While all three women may not have thought they had much in common, they soon found they had much to share. All three live in Columbus, have at least one daughter (Diane has four) and were all diagnosed with breast cancer in the Spring of 2011. In addition, all three found their breast cancers through self-exams and knowing what was normal and not normal for their bodies, and before any of them had turned 40.

From left to right, Julie, Ronda and Diane

For Diane, it was her second time around.

“I hit my 5-year mark (5 years since the initial diagnosis) and had surgery to remove what was believed to be a benign nodule, which pathology revealed was invasive breast cancer again. Everything pointed to it being benign, which is why everyone was shocked when pathology revealed invasive breast cancer again….and I do mean everyone. No one has perfect wisdom or knowledge, but God alone.”

Since it was her second diagnosis, Diane has been able to help Julie and Ronda through their battles and provide advice on dealing with chemo while raising children and working.

“The best thing that has come out of all of this is our friendship,” one woman said. The bond they share now, having been strangers just a year ago, is evident for anyone to see.

The ladies and their bright pink wigs

After having met on the online support group chat room, they soon became Facebook friends and then got together in “real life” and it felt like “they had known each other forever.”

“Ronda was about 4-5 weeks ahead of me through all of this, so it’s been great to see what I have coming and how she’s gotten through everything,” Julie said.

Ronda wore a hot pink robe to all her radiation treatments and having completed them in early January, has now passed the robe along to Julie.

Through surgeries, chemo and radiation, all three women have been there for one another, sharing stories and experiences and celebrating milestones, like Ronda completing her radiation. Julie will follow in several weeks as both women near their one-year cancer anniversary.

Julie found a lump in her breast and for several months pushed the thought of cancer out of her mind, because there was pain associated with the lump, a symptom often associated with benign breast disease.

“I also put off having a mammogram because I didn’t have health insurance and was afraid of how I was going to pay for everything,” Julie said. After family encouraged her to make the appointment, Julie found a Komen Columbus-funded grant at OhioHealth that paid for all her screenings, and through which she heard her diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer.

Julie, Ronda and Diane with their daughters

The grant was paid for through donations the affiliate received year-round and from the Race. Seventy-five percent of those donations support local programs like the one that helped Julie, with the remaining 25% supporting scientific research to find the cures.

“It all comes down to needing more money for research,” Diane said. “When you see so many young survivors with young children at the Race, the signs on the backs of children reading ‘In celebration,’ or ‘In memory of my mom’…that is eye-opening. That makes you more passionate about finding the cures.”

While the road through Diane’s second diagnosis has been hard, she acknowledges that much good has come from it.

“Most women with cases like me will prove to be a benign nodule. When you’re the 1%, it’s 100%. Everyone does their best. When the unexpected happens, it’s hard. Above all…I know every crisis has within it the possibility of great danger, but also brings with it opportunity for positive change. My goal in all of this has been to seize the opportunities I have been and will be given. To have a positive effect on others. That is the good that has come from all of this.”

That public support came from Facebook after the ladies posted pictures they had taken of the three of them while in the midst of chemotherapy. All three women are bald – but beautiful! – in bright pink tops. The women also coincidentally brought their daughters with them to the shoot, and were able to get a picture with all the girls.

“My daughter was 3 when I was diagnosed, so she’s seen me go through everything,” Julie said. “When she was blowing out the candles on her fourth birthday cake, she wished that ‘Mommy would feel better and her breast cancer would go away.’ Every day she feels my hair coming back and knows I’m getting better.”

Ronda also found her Stage 3 breast cancer through a self-exam, and continued boxing and exercising throughout months of chemo and radiation.

Getting better and stronger in time for the Race for the Cure is something all women have kept in their minds.

Wigs off!

Diane’s first Race for the Cure was two days after she finished chemo in 2006. She walked the 1 Mile Walk with her family, and vowed to come back running next year. From 2007-2010 she ran each Race alongside her family, and after her second diagnosis in 2011, had a wheelchair’s assistance for last year’s Race.

Ronda’s first Race was 22 days after her surgery and nothing could slow her down, except when she waited to high-five the supporters with motorcycles coming down High Street. She loved signing her first Survivor Banner in SurvivorPalooza and has already formed a team for the 2012 Race.

Through the ups and downs of breast cancer, the surgeries, complications, chemo, radiation, even the hot flashes, these ladies have each others’ backs. Their spirits never waiver and their strength continues to inspire current breast cancer patients, friends, daughters and just about everyone they meet. Join them on the Race course on May 19 this year.

Photography by Todd McGinnis from Fireside Photography.

20 Faces of Komen Columbus: Week Three

Since this May 19, 2012 will be the 20^th Annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, for the next 20 weeks we’re going to spotlight 20 individuals who have participated in the Race throughout the years. They come from all walks of life and may be survivors, volunteers, grantees, sponsors or advocates, but they’re all committed to the fight against breast cancer.

Week Three: The One Who Sees the Money in Action

For Melissa Thomas, it was the names of people who had lost their battles to breast cancer on the backs of Race for the Cure participants that drew her in to her first Race in 1999.

“It’s those little moments…a breast cancer survivor holding hands with her daughter, a father and mother walking alongside their daughter (who looked my age) who was taking chemo…these are the moments that make the Race so real and the fight so incredibly important.”

Melissa Thomas at her grantee table during the 2011 Race

Melissa got involved with the Race then as it was the first year she had received funding for a grant and wanted to participate in one of the events that was helping to fund her project.

“My commitment in the field of breast cancer was inspired by my Grandmother, who lost her battle to cancer because she did not have the lifesaving information and access to care that is all too common in Appalachia Ohio.  I am involved with Komen not only as a grantee, but as an advocate to help ensure that others don’t have to die due to health disparities in our state.”

Twelve years later and that commitment is still going strong. Melissa currently serves as the director for the “The Amish & Mennonite Breast Health Project” that reaches out to women in Knox, Muskingum, Fairfield, Pickaway, Ross, Pike and Monroe Counties with breast health awareness and screening opportunities. She is also the program director for the “Proyecto Cancer de Seno en Latinas: The Latina Breast Cancer Project,” which connects Latina women in Central Ohio with screening services and breast cancer education programs.

Melissa encourages friends and family to get involved in the Race to support local programming that can impact men and women in our community.

“I know that 75% of the funding raised at the Race stays right in our region. As a two-time national research grantee, I also know that the other 25% helps fund projects like mine to help explore breast cancer research issues.  I never have to wonder how the money is being used. My donation does make a difference, and it makes a difference locally.”

From Left to Right are Melissa, program coordinator Adriana de la Peña and Otterbein University intern Katie Stuckey at the 2010 Race.

Melissa also encourages others to get the same feeling of community she experiences at the Race.

“Breast cancer has so many faces and we often only have a very limited view of how breast cancer affects our community. I always leave the Race inspired and energized to continue our efforts to honor Nancy Brinker’s promise to her sister.”

Look for Melissa on Race day in the Expo area passing out educational materials about her grant program or on the Race course surrounded by friends and family.

“I always look forward to the sense of community I feel at the Race.  There’s a palpable energy that can be felt throughout the entire Race, from start to finish, from the exhibits to the volunteers who line the route.  Our grant year begins in April, so experiencing the Race near the beginning of our grant year really inspires both our returning and new volunteers.  I truly look forward to the hope that is felt at this amazing event.”

Click here to register and join Melissa on the race course and help her help thousands of women in Central and Southeastern Ohio.

20 Faces of Komen Columbus: Week Two

Since this May 19, 2012 will be the 20^th Annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, for the next 20 weeks we’re going to spotlight 20 individuals who have participated in the Race throughout the years. They come from all walks of life and may be survivors, volunteers, grantees, sponsors or advocates, but they’re all committed to the fight against breast cancer.

Week Two: The One Who Inspires Others

Wanda, center, at the 2010 Race for the Cure

Wanda Brown looks forward to the Race every year because as she says, “it’s one more year that I’m here. One more year that I can take part of this walk because I’m not a statistic.”

Wanda’s first Race for the Cure was in 2006. This came shortly after her diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2004, a basal-like breast cancer that affects 15-20% of all breast cancers in the U.S. Anyone can get triple negative breast cancer, but it more frequently affects younger women, African American women, Hispanic women and women who have the BRCA1 mutations. This type of breast cancer is often aggressive, and tends to grow faster and is less likely to be seen on an annual mammogram.

With fellow survivors at the 2007 Race.

For that first Race in 2006, Wanda walked with her children and still remembers the feeling of love and support that was in the air. Since then, she has encouraged many others to walk the Race with her, including her best friend who walked in 2007 and then passed away from breast cancer in 2008.

Wanda encourages others to walk with her to see all the survivors, especially those in the African American community.

“Breast cancer is not really talked about in our community, so it can be really shocking to see how many survivors are among us,” Wanda said. “Hearing you have breast cancer does not mean you have a death sentence. If you catch it early and do what you’re supposed to do, you have a good chance of surviving.”

Wanda with the Sisters Network at the 2009 Race.

To encourage early detection, Wanda started the “Sisters Network Columbus OH,” a group that works to increase breast cancer awareness and education among African American women. Every year Wanda and her volunteers organize a “Gift for Life Block Walk,” where volunteers (Young Women of Excellence, YWE), who are in Grades 7-12, walk door-to-door and talk to women about breast health, how to do self-exams and where they can get mammograms.

“These young girls (YWE) are learning about their breast health and can grow up knowing breast self-exams can be as routine as brushing your teeth,” Wanda said.

Wanda is looking forward to taking part in the 2012 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure alongside her family and many of those from her Sisters Network Columbus OH. Join Wanda and register today.

 

 

 

 

 

20 Faces of Komen Columbus: Week One

Since this May 19, 2012 will be the 20^th Annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, for the next 20 weeks we’re going to spotlight 20 individuals who have participated in the Race throughout the years. They come from all walks of life and may be survivors, volunteers, grantees, sponsors or advocates, but they’re all committed to the fight against breast cancer.

Week One: The One with Perfect Attendance

Andrea helping to kick off the 2011 Race.

Andrea Cambern has touched millions of people throughout Central Ohio during her tenure as broadcaster for WBNS-10TV, but she continues to be moved by the thousands of people she sees every year at the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. For 20 years the Race has occurred in Columbus, bringing together survivors, supporters, volunteers, advocates and…Andrea Cambern.

Participating in the Race year after year has become a tradition for Andrea, who has a personal connection to breast cancer as her grandmother battled the disease. The Race has certainly evolved throughout the years, but Andrea still remembers the first event in 1993.

“Looking back on year one, I remember gathering at the statehouse for the start, and it started to rain so we moved inside to the Rotunda… imagine being able to fit all of the participants into the statehouse!!!!  We were small in numbers but large in the commitment to the cause, even way back then!!!”

Andrea is looking forward to seeing the number of survivors grow this year, and has been overwhelmed every year by the number of participants that have been touched and show up to fight.

Andrea at the 2009 Race.

“It is the most amazing example of the heart, soul and compassion of this community.  Each year I am more convinced than ever that we are going to find a cure.”

Throughout the years, one Race that stands out above all others for Andrea was in 2009.

“It was the first race since the passing of our good friend Heather Pick; her absence left a huge hole in everyone’s heart. And then Stefanie Spielman arrived.  She was in a wheelchair, being pushed by her daughter. I knew in my heart that it would be her last race with us. I was overcome with emotion, but more determined than ever to continue the fight.”

We are so grateful to have the support of Andrea for all 20 of our Race for the Cures, and look forward to seeing her at this year’s Race. Join Andrea on May 19 and REGISTER TODAY!

January Volunteer of the Month Motivates Community

When Darlene Matthews was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer on August 28, 2001, she had only seen the “ugly side” of the disease.

“My aunt passed away from breast cancer so that was my greatest fear in life. I had never been sick before so it really took me for a loop when I was diagnosed,” Darlene said. “With my support team and faith in God, I survived and can know see another side.”

Darlene and her great-niece at the 2011 Race.

To help other African American women in her community see the other side of breast cancer, Darlene is being honored with our January Volunteer of the Month title for her tireless outreach and work spreading breast cancer awareness throughout her community.

“It used to be that no one in our community talked about breast cancer and you were almost ashamed if you were diagnosed,” Darlene said. “Now, everyone talks about it and that’s the key. We talk about it and remind each other. If you’re diagnosed, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s not like you did anything wrong. The more people talk about it, the more people understand. I keep working hard until it clicks.”

Darlene's mural in the front of her salon.

And work hard she does! Darlene’s Beauty All Over Salon on Cleveland Avenue in Linden is the breast cancer outreach center of the community. The first thing you see in the salon is a life-size mural of Darlene in her Race for the Cure outfit from 2011 – a pink afro wig and t-shirt she creates for all her team members. Darlene started out doing the Race with her daughter and herself. Then, her first team had less than ten people. In 2011, she had 167 men and women on her team and she hopes to get 250 for the 20^th Annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure on May 19.

Throughout the year Darlene always has educational materials on hand for anyone who needs more information about breast cancer, and is a constant sight and source of information at her church and community festivals.

“I just try to get women to understand and the more involvement we have of women in the African American community, the more they can help others and the better off everyone is,” Darlene said.

Darlene looks forward to the Race for the Cure every year as a way to get people involved in a fun activity. She creates a theme for each year and designs t-shirts and costumes for all the members to wear. Last year’s theme was “Un-Mask the Cure” and team members wore colorful shirts and Mardi Gras masks. Darlene begins registering people for her team in January and hopes to increase her team’s fundraising this year.

She’s also always hoping to increase her team members’ knowledge of breast cancer, and works hard to dispel many rumors about breast cancer that circulate in her community.

Darlene and Terina getting ready for the 2011 Race.

“The lack of knowledge about breast cancer blows me away,” Darlene said. “I just keep going until everyone knows their risk and knows about breast cancer.”

Darlene first became aware of Komen Columbus shortly after her diagnosis and surgery.

“I was having trouble getting back to myself – both mentally and physically – and I attended an exercise class at Mt. Carmel East funded by Komen. That really, really helped me because you hear stories of other women going through the same things you are. You don’t feel like you’re alone anymore,” Darlene said. “It really helped me get back on track. Now I try to be there for other women going through the same thing so they can have someone they identify with so they don’t have to be so afraid of the unknown.”

Darlene’s daughter Terina re-iterated her mother’s motivation and dedication to increasing breast cancer awareness in her community. “I continue to remain proud of my mom and all that she has accomplished while fighting this disease and attempting to do her part to educate others,” Terina said. “When I was recognized as one of the Outstanding OSU Alumni in 2009, my speech clearly communicated that it was MY MOM who I was most proud of and it was HER spirit, dedication, motivation to push to overcome obstacles that continue to push me to give back to my community. When my mom sets her mind on something, she is relentless in ensuring that it is accomplished.”

We are grateful of Darlene’s hard work increasing breast cancer awareness in the African American community and look forward to seeing what she comes up with for this year’s Race. Congratulations Darlene!