How to ReGiSteR Special Edition event Day Schedule Race Map

Sp Aust
ec in Fi
ia t Ma
l E gaz
di ine
tio
n
How to Register
Event Day Schedule
Race Map
Parking Information
& More!
Downtown Austin, TX • November 13, 2011
Presented by:
Left to Right:
Donna Mercer,
Ana Sierra,
Gary Vasey and
Natalie Young
How Does My Fit Foods
“Fit” Your Life?
My Fit Foods
Actual Clients
u.o.u.
YOU GIVE SO MUCH OF YOURSELF TO OTHERS.
IT’S TIME TO DO SOMETHING FOR YOU.
“I love My Fit Foods because of their
commitment to improving the role of nutr ition
in people’s lives with great food. Mff makes my
life easier by giving me a var iety of options
that I already enjoy and by saving me the time
of planning to shop or cook. Fast food with
benefits. :)” -Dimitr i Garcia
Dimitri’s favor ite meal:
Mario’s Marine Cor ps Mash
“I always tell people, you are what you eat,
so I always str ive for whole, balanced meals
without preservatives or chemicals, and My
Fit Foods is r ight on the same page so I love
them.” -Paige Jewell
Paige’s favorite meal:
Lean Lemon Turkey
Schedule your
mammogram today.
Visit our experts in early detection:
• State-of-the-art technology
• Dedicated team of specialists
• Comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment
• Patient-centered care for the mind and body
Fueled by my fit foods
Over 50 meals to choose from. Cooked fresh and never frozen.
4200 N. Lamar (Central) | 323.2738
3201 Bee Caves (Westlake) | 329.0003
10740 Research Blvd. (North) | 372.8323
4301 William Cannon (South) | 358.0123
KEEP AUSTIN FIT.
For online ordering and more information check us out at www.myfitfoods.com
Proud sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
512-509-9100 | uou.sw.org
Table of Contents
What Will You Promise?
A
promise between two sisters inspired a global movement
to end breast cancer forever. The Austin Affiliate of Susan
G. Komen for the Cure® continues to uphold this promise
in the community by hosting the 13th Annual Komen Austin
Race for the Cure on Sunday, November 13 to raise funds for
breast cancer screening, treatment and education programs
for Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, as
well as research for the cure.
In this special issue of Austin Fit Magazine, Komen Austin
Affiliate staff, advocates, breast cancer survivors and
volunteers share what they are promising to do in the fight
against breast cancer. We hope these stories move YOU to
make a promise for yourself and the community as we work
together to put an end to this disease.
8
Four Survivors. Four Promises.
Find out what our cover models promise to do
in the fight against breast cancer.
12-17
2011 Komen Austin Race Guide
Get all the details on this year’s Komen Austin
Race for the Cure®. Parking, race route,
registration information and more!
20
FREE Breast Health
Services For You
Learn about FREE breast cancer services
funded by the Komen Austin Affiliate
Happily produced by
Cover and survivor photography by Brian Fitzsimmons
komenaustin.org
5
What Will You Prom se?
A Promise from the President
and Executive Director
I
began my tenure on the Komen
Austin Board due to my deep
emotional connection with the
organization’s core mission. Both
my grandmother and mother have
been affected by this disease.
During the past six years on the
Board, it has been incredible to watch
the growth and advancement of the
Komen Austin Affiliate. I have met
so many wonderful people who have
touched and impacted my life in so many
ways, and for that I am forever grateful.
I have seen how the dollars raised have
impacted the lives of those affected by
breast cancer. I am incredibly proud to be
associated with an organization like the
Komen Austin Affiliate where 75 percent
of the money raised stays LOCAL.
My family history, in conjunction with
all I have learned while serving on the
Komen Austin Board, has taught me
the importance of being breast self
W
hat an amazing year! My
life was transformed when
I accepted the position
of
Executive
Director
at the Komen Austin Affiliate in April
of last year. While I had volunteered
for the organization for many years,
fighting breast cancer on a day-to-day
basis has made me more passionate and
determined than ever.
Over the last year, the organization has
grown and developed into a very powerful
team. I’ve met men and women from our
community that are alive today because
of the funds our organization provides.
I’ve also seen our volunteer and advocate
numbers skyrocket.
The Komen Austin Affiliate is extremely
proud of the fact that 75 percent of the
money raised LOCALLY stays LOCAL.
This means our generous advocates can
be assured that their money is serving
their community. The remaining 25
percent funds breast cancer research.
Each year the Komen Austin Affiliate,
along with our family of volunteers, works
diligently to raise money through our
annual Komen Austin Race for the Cure®.
This year we are asking each individual
make a commitment to raise $125 more
6
komenaustin.org
aware. It is imperative that I remain
committed to:
1. Knowing my risk
2. Getting screened
3. Knowing what is normal for me
4. Making healthy ifestyle choices.
I PROMISE to empower all of my
family members, friends, co-workers,
the volunteers of Komen Austin Affiliate,
and the members of our community
to educate themselves on breast
self awareness and encourage their
continued support of the mission of the
Komen Austin Affiliate.
Sincerely,
Carol Marin
We Live Here. We Race Here.
We Save Lives Here.
FIVE-COUNTY SERVI
1.7 million Resid
O
ne out of eight women will have to fight
breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s why,
since 1999, the Austin Affiliate of Susan
G. Komen for the Cure® has been hard
at work here in the community raising money to
provide breast cancer screening, education and
medical services as well as financial and emotional
support. In fact, more than 75 percent of the money
raised each year is put to work right here in Travis,
Hays, Williamson, Bastrop and Caldwell counties to
improve the lives of everyone affected by this deadly
disease. The remaining funds go to national research
to find a cure for breast cancer once and for all.
This year, the Komen Austin Affiliate announced
its largest single LOCAL investment. What does this
mean for the community? You have access to FREE
breast cancer screening and medical treatments as
well as emergency services through 11 healthcare
organizations. See page 20 for a full list of services.
WILLIAMSON
COUNTY
TRAVIS
COUNTY
BASTROP
COUNTY
HAYS
COUNTY
CALDWELL
COUNTY
President
Board of Directors
Austin Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure
than they raised in the past. These
additional funds will allow us to exceed our
ambitious goal of $1.5 million to provide
breast cancer screening, treatment and
educational services our community
desperately needs.
I invite and encourage every citizen to
join us on the journey to eradicate breast
cancer in our community. Each of us at
the Komen Austin Affiliate is making a
promise this year and we ask that you do
the same.
I PROMISE to empower all the men
and women in our community through
communication and education about
what the Komen Austin Affiliate can do to
fight breast cancer. I make this promise
to fight for our mothers, grandmothers,
sisters, aunts, neighbors and best friends.
What will you promise?
Did you know?
75% of funds raised
LOCALLY stays LOCAL
Seventy-five percent stays in our five-county
area to provide the following services:
Fund mammograms (screening or diagnostic),
ultrasounds, biopsies and treatment
25%
75%
Provide emergency assistance which covers
in-home
personal assistance,CALDWELL
transportation to
BASTROP
and from
treatment
and
food,
rent
& Miles
utilities
888.35 Sq. Miles
545
Sq.
74,171 Residents
38,066 Residents
Fund 48.9%
PatientFemale
Navigator Services
(provides
50.3%
Female
individual assistance from when someone is
diagnosed to the end of his or her treatment)
Sincerely,
Provide breast health educators and
educational materials at local health fairs and
WHITE
community events
57.1%
Connect breast cancer survivors with local
resources
Christy Casey-Moore
Offer bilingual support staff
Executive Director
Austin Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure
The remaining 25% funds
international groundbreaking
breast cancer reasearch
HAY
677 Sq
157,107 Re
49.9% F
P
4
3
2
HISPANIC
29.3%
SpearheadOTHER
local advocacy efforts
6.4%
AFRICAN-AMERICAN
7.2%
komenaustin.org
10
7
Four Survivors. Four Promises.
I
AM one in eight women in the United
States diagnosed with breast cancer.
I AM the face behind the money YOU
raise for the Komen Austin Affiliate.
My husband and I moved to Texas in 2003
from Puerto Rico. Due to the transition and
high cost of health insurance, I missed my
annual exam and mammogram that year.
The following spring, a friend told me
that I could qualify to receive a low-cost
mammogram from Seton, which received
funding from the Komen Austin Affiliate
for these types of services. I called,
Quick Facts:
»
Breast cancer is the most common
cancer among Hispanic/Latina women.
qualified and was scheduled
to have a mammogram in
Georgetown. Today, women and
men may receive FREE breast
cancer services from Seton and
other healthcare organizations in
the Komen Austin Affiliate’s fivecounty service area.
They found something on the
mammogram.
Further
imaging
and diagnostic procedures were
scheduled because I had nothing
to compare it to from the previous
year. From there a core biopsy had
to be done, and then I was referred
to a surgeon. As soon as the surgeon
called me with the bad news and
recommended a mastectomy, my
journey began.
I can only compare this journey to a
hurricane season in Puerto Rico. What
category would this be? What will it
destroy? What will it leave behind—
scars? Pain? Distress? Debris that will stay
forever? After all, isn’t that what cancer
is—a stage? A category?
I have scars, pain, and sometimes feel
distress, and I have to pick-up the debris. I
hate to think of the hard times, but I know
it was relatively easy compared to other
women. I know God is good and life is
good. I have never questioned my destiny
and never felt alone. In my journey, angels
came forward in the form of nurses,
surgeons and oncologists.
Seven years passed of living cancer
FREE; however, I didn’t realize another
hurricane season was around the corner.
In October of last year, I went back for my
annual appointment. After a few scans,
for Hispanic/Latina women were lower
than for non-Hispanic white women
and African American women.
»
»
Estimated incidence and mortality
in 2007 (most recent data available)
8
komenaustin.org
Screening mammography rates
among Hispanic/Latina women are
now similar to rates among non-
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast
cancer and was told that the cancer had
spread to my liver, lungs and part of my
sternum. I am currently going through
chemotherapy and take a daily pill, which
is part of a clinical trial, in hopes to help
women in the future who may have to
fight this disease.
I know of today and not of tomorrow. If
there are women out there who can find
comfort or inspiration in my journey, then
I can say it has been worth it. We need a
cure NOW. Every day that passes without
a cure is one day too late for so many of
us. Everyone deserves access to breast
cancer care and education - that’s what
YOUR dollars fund in our community.
So today I PROMISE to continue to
be the face behind the monies raised
by the Komen Austin Affiliate. For those
who wonder if the money is used here
in our community to fund breast cancer
screening, treatment and education
programs for those affected by breast
cancer...HERE IS MY FACE! Your donations
actually work!
Please join me in making a promise to
fight breast cancer and share that promise
with your friends, family and peers at the
2011 Komen Austin Race for the Cure on
Nov. 13, 2011 in downtown Austin.
Ana Sierra
2011 Honorary Race Chair
Hispanic white women. However, in
the past, Hispanic/Latina women were
less likely to have regular screening
and to get prompt follow-up for an
abnormal mammogram.
I
have always been healthy as a cat my
entire life. That is until I found a lump in
my breast area in 2004 while showering.
As a typical male, I didn’t think much of
it until I noticed its rapid growth. In July of
2004, I finally decided to go to the doctor. We
took a biopsy and the waiting game began.
Eventually, the tests came back positive for
breast cancer. I underwent surgery, at which
time small traces of cancer were found in two
of my primary lymph nodes. Two weeks later,
I was back in surgery removing my lymph
nodes under my right arm. We all figured
that after chemotherapy for the next 18
weeks, I would be good to go back to
normal life again.
Because I am estrogen receptor-positive,
I had to counter the estrogen that promotes
growth of cancer cells with oral hormone
therapy, just as many women do for posttreatment. In January of 2010, I made it
through my first five years just fine, and I
was taken off of the hormone drug.
“Normal” life went on until July of 2010,
when I noticed a lump had appeared on
my chest almost overnight. I spent the
weekend waiting for it to disappear, but
it didn’t. I was diagnosed again, promptly
had surgery and then sent into treatment.
I went through chemotherapy and
radiation treatments for the second time,
finishing up this past February. I had a
follow-up PET scan in April with great
results; I am clear of cancer!
I have a great team of doctors here
in Austin, all compassionate and true
professionals. They determined that
the second occurrence was the result
of small traces of cancer left in the lymph
nodes in my chest area from my previous
bout with cancer in 2004. When I stopped
the hormone therapy pill in January of
2010, it was a signal for the tumors to begin
growing again and, in only six months, the
tumor located between my ribs had grown
to such a large size that it surfaced on my
chest. Because it was visible, I could do
something about it.
I am a very fortunate man, and these
experiences have opened my eyes to life. I
have the greatest wife who has loved, cared
and supported me through both battles.
My family members, friends and my church
Quick Facts:
Komen Austin Tips:
»
» Don’t Ignore it!
The lifetime risk of breast cancer in
the United States is 1 in 1,000 for men
and 1 in 8 for women.
» Although male breast cancer is rare,
an estimated 1,970 men in the U.S. were
diagnosed in 2010.
» Most men don’t know they can get
breast cancer.
» They may ignore the warning signs that
tell them something is wrong.
I always tried to live my
life as normal as possible
throughout my treatments
and maintain a very positive
attitude - I feel this a key to
a successful recovery.
“
fellowship members have provided love
and prayers. Through this experience, I have
truly accepted God in my life. My job and
sports officiating associates were concerned
and considerate; they continued to keep me
involved by allowing me to run the game
clocks on Friday nights while I was going
through chemotherapy.
I always tried to live my life as normally
as possible throughout my treatments and
maintain a very positive attitude - I feel this
is a key to successful recovery. I PROMISE to
help inform people, more specifically males,
that this is a disease that CAN affect them.
They need to be aware of their bodies, listen
and react when something is not quite right.
Remember, I too was healthy until I got
breast cancer.
Gary Vasey
Survivor
» They may not tell their doctor what
they are feeling because they are
embarrassed or worried.
» They may wait too long to get help.
The key to beating cancer is finding it
early and getting treated right away.
komenaustin.org
9
Four Survivors. Four Promises.
needle aspiration and even a lumpectomy
to remove my “abnormal” cells, I was told
that I had triple negative breast cancer.
That came as a shock to me since we
have no family history of breast cancer,
I was in the best shape I’d been in since
high school and had breastfed my
daughter for 13 months. I felt I was
so healthy that when the doctors
would ask who was my primary care
physician...I didn’t have one! I was
a healthy person with no primary
care physician, but now I have
an oncologist?
I underwent many surgeries,
including a double mastectomy, and
had six rounds of chemotherapy.
I finished my treatment in
February of 2010 and had my
final reconstructive surgery last
November. I can now say that’s it.
I’m done. No more surgeries, no
more chemotherapy treatments.
I’m done. But that’s just one
side of my story.
W
I am a breast cancer SURVIVOR.
In the past year and a half, I
have endured more medically
than some people do in their
entire lifetimes. I’ve learned so
much about myself and realized
how strong I can be.
e have all heard that
there are two sides to
every story. The same
can be said for my
breast cancer story.
In August of 2009, at the age of
28, I felt a lump in my breast during
my morning shower. I convinced
myself it was nothing, but I called the
gynecologist just in case.
I went to my doctor’s office that same
afternoon. Exactly two-weeks later after
a mammogram, an ultrasound, a fine
myself and realized how strong I can be.
I have an adorable 4-and-a-half year-old
daughter, who, at the age of three, knew
what cancer and chemotherapy meant.
She also knew that pink, her favorite
color, meant “go away cancer.”
I used to spend so much money on
hair colors, cuts and products and was
always trying new styles. Now I can really
say I’ve tried them all by shaving my
head. Never in my wildest dreams did I
ever imagine I would shave my head. You
see, cancer didn’t make my hair fall out;
I chose to shave it! Now, I have a shorter
hairstyle than I ever would have imagined
for myself, but it’s by far my favorite look
to date. I love when I am asked “what
made you decide to cut your hair so
short?” It’s a great opportunity to share
my story with others.
In the past, I had always participated
in the Komen Austin Race for the Cure.
It was a great thing to do and you got
a free t- shirt, so why not? Now, I’m
passionate about the Race and putting
an end to breast cancer. I don’t just race
in the “free t-shirt” anymore - I AM one
of the ones in the pink shirt. I AM who
you are running for.
That’s the other side of my story and
it’s NOWHERE near finished. It’s really
just beginning. I PROMISE that you can
live life after breast cancer! I’m doing it
and so can you!
Survivor
I am a breast cancer SURVIVOR. In the
past year and a half, I have endured more
medically than some people do in their
entire lifetime. I’ve learned so much about
» Although rare, young women can and
do get breast cancer, even in their 20s.
10
komenaustin.org
» This year in the United States alone,
more than 10,000 women under age 40
will be told they have breast cancer.
four biological sisters and their daughters. I
PROMISE to educate the community on the
importance of knowing your family history.
Take a moment to ask your relatives if there
is a history of this disease in your family.
If so, talk to your doctor about how this
affects your risk of getting breast cancer.
Donna Mercer
Survivor
Quick Facts:
» A woman who has one immediate
female relative (mother, sister or
daughter) with breast cancer has almost
twice the risk of a woman without a
family history.
» If she has more than one immediate
female relative with a history of breast
cancer, her risk is about three to four
times higher.
» In general, the younger the relative was
when she was diagnosed, the greater a
woman’s chance of getting breast cancer.
» A woman whose mother was
diagnosed with breast cancer before age
50 has about twice the risk of a woman
without a family history.
Natalie Young
Survivor Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.
J
Quick Facts:
» ALL women are at risk for breast cancer.
K
nowing my family history saved
my life!
My mother died from breast
cancer, as did my grandmother
AND other female relatives. Because of
this, I was labeled “high-risk” and started
having mammograms at the young age of
22. I had several issues with fibroid tumors
in my breast, but they were usually reported
as negative for cancer.
After 14 years of receiving regular
mammograms and several false alarms,
I unfortunately heard the words
“you have breast cancer.” As a
mother of two, I felt overwhelmed
and saddened by this diagnosis. I
kept telling myself that I had to live
for my children; I had to be here to
see them grow-up!
I needed to talk to someone, so I
turned to my brother, a pastor, who
reassured me that I would be okay. I
also contacted a local breast cancer
organization where I met a network
of survivors and lifetime friends, who
encouraged and assisted me to do my
research to find out the best options for
my battle with breast cancer.
Through my research, I learned that
genes play an important role when
determining your breast cancer treatment
and surgery. Who knew that family history
and my genetic make-up would have an
affect on MY breast cancer story?
I had the BRCA test, and a mutation was
found. Due to learning those results and
countless hours of research, coupled with
the aggressive nature of my breast cancer,
I was able to choose the right surgical
procedure to reduce recurrence. I was
then treated with chemotherapy for eight
months followed by eight months of oral
hormone therapy.
Today, I am happy to say that I am cancer
FREE! Now I must think of my daughter,
» Breast cancer is the leading cause of
cancer deaths in women in the U.S.
under age 40.
oin us the night before the Race
at the second annual Survivor
Celebration presented by TempleInland and Farmers Insurance.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, we will celebrate
the men and women survivors in style at
the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center at The
University of Texas from 5 to 9 p.m.
This event is open to all breast cancer
survivors, friends and family. Admission is
FREE for survivors and $25 for guests. RSVP
REQUIRED. Please contact Tania LeskovarOwens at tleskovar@komenaustin.org.
komenaustin.org
11
2011 Race Event Guide
2011 Race Event Guide
Letter from your Race Chair
S
even years ago, I
found out that my favorite aunt’s
breast cancer had spread. I realized
that she was not going to beat the
disease that she had been fighting for years.
She was one of the most important
people in my life.
To ease the ache of my loss, I began
searching. I was looking for a lot of
things—a reason, a purpose, a cure, but
what I found was a promise.
This promise was made from one sister
to another. Nancy Brinker was looking for
the same things when she founded the
Komen organization in 1982. Here I was,
more than 20 years later, finally catching up.
I’ll never forget my first Komen Austin
Race for the Cure. I was in awe. I shared the
pain of loss and the joy of hope with 20,000
people – strangers no more – now allies,
looking for the same things.
After participating in the Race, I was
inspired and energized to get involved. I
promised to take action and not let myself
become defeated by loss. So, I attended
volunteer and education orientation and
participated in all things “for the Cure,”
including stuffing Race bags and labeling
educational materials.
The following year I not only formed a Race
team, I also joined the Race committee.
Throughout the years I have served as chair
of the finance committee and registration
committee as well as being the Race CoChair in 2010. It felt good to be involved.
My promise granted me a measure of
peace and purpose and led me to some of
the most wonderful people I have ever had
the pleasure of meeting.
Today, I’m proud to be your Race Chair.
I have found the volunteers this year to
be as I find them every year - dedicated,
passionate, and motivated by nothing less
than their own goodness and generosity.
But this year, my promise is different.
Today my promise is not about me but
about others. I PROMISE to do my best to
help put on an amazing race that brings
the community together for the purpose of
education, awareness and hope. We must
show the world that Central Texas will do
all it can to stomp out cancer—for my aunt
Patty and for all of us who still live, love
and hope.
I hope to count you among our
participants, volunteers and supporters
on Sunday, November 13. Remember,
it’s everybody’s fight and we’ll need
everybody’s feet.
With Hope,
Kheira Ardjani
2011 Race Chair
Registration Details www.komenaustin.org
Entry Fees:
Online: Adult: $30, Child (12 and under): $20
By Mail and In-Person: Adult: $35, Child (12 and under): $25
Hanes - The official T-Shirt of the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure®.
your payment postmarked by October 12th to:
Komen Austin, P.O. Box 2164, Austin, Texas 78768
Online: Visit www.komenaustin.org to register online through
November 11, 2011 at 6 p.m. Register, create a personal Web page
and help raise funds online. If you register online, your race bib,
T-shirt and survivor packet (if applicable) can be mailed to you for
an additional $8.50 ONLY IF you register by October 19, 2011.
12
T-Shirt
Size:
Y10–12
S
L XL 2XL
M
3XL
Team
Name:
PLEASE PRINT — FILL OUT CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY. (one entry per person)
First Name
Last Name
Packet Mailed To You: Add $8.50.
Packet Pick-Up: Packets* include a T-shirt and Race number.
T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 20,000 participants; however,
size preference is not guaranteed. To make picking up your race
packet easier, we have two packet pick-up locations which are
as follows:
North PACKET PICK-UP
November 10–12th
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. David’s North Austin Medical
Center, 2nd Floor
12221 N. Mopac Expwy.
SOUTH PACKET PICK-UP
November 5th & 6th
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Academy Sports & Outdoors
(rear of the store)
5400 Brodie Lane
MI
F
State
City
ZIP
Birth Date MM/DD/YYYY
Email Address (for Komen Austin purposes ONLY, will not be distributed)
Would you like to be recognized as a
breast cancer survivor by receiving a
complimentary pink cap and T-shirt?
Y N
KOMEN AUSTIN RACE FOR THE CURE®
REGISTRATION FEES
TIMED:
❍ ADULT $40 (select timing division)
$
❍ Age Group
❍ Survivor
❍ Wheelchair
❍ Handcycle
❍ CHILD $30 (12 and under)
$
UNTIMED:
❍ ADULT $35
$
❍ CHILD $25 (12 and under)
$
❍ Sleep In For The Cure $50
$
❍ Tax-Deductible Donation
$
*Donations Make The Difference
$
NOTE: ALL ENTRY FEES INCREASE $5 ON RACE MORNING
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
TIMED (circle one):
-
Phone # (please include area code)
/
/
Age on Nov. 1
M
Gender
Address/Number, Street & Apt #
TOTAL:
Sleep In for the Cure: All: $50 (Price includes shipping)
By Mail: Complete the adjacent entry form, sign it and mail with
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION: Mail completed entry form by Wednesday, October 12, with a check or money order (payable
to Komen Austin) to: Komen Austin, PO Box 2164, Austin, Texas 78768. If you have registered ONLINE, DO NOT fill in this form.
TEAM MEMBERS: Turn in your entry form to your Team Captain. Entry fees are not tax-deductible, transferable or refundable.
Please do not send cash. No confirmation will be sent. Questions? Please call 512-473-0900 or e-mail: RACE@komenaustin.org.
ADDITIONAL:
Race Day: Adult: $40, Child (12 and under): $30
Chip Timing Services: All Timed Participants: Add $5 to the
standard registration.
2011 Participant Entry Form
YES
NO
Race #
PAYMENT (circle one): Cash MC AMEX VISA DISC
CHECK #:
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND RESULTS RELEASE AND WAIVER AND RELEASE
By accepting this race bib and participating in this event (the “Event”), I
give my full consent and permission to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, its
local affiliates and races (as defined below), their sponsors and corporate
sponsors, their successors and licensees and assign the irrevocable right to
use, for any purpose whatsoever and without compensation, any
photographs, videotapes, audiotapes or other recordings of me that are
made during the course of the Event.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS
I understand that by accepting this race bib and participating in this Event, I
give my consent to these provisions in consideration for being permitted to
participate in this Event. I further understand that I may be removed from
this competition if I do not follow all the rules of this Event. I am a voluntary
participant in this Event and in good physical condition. I KNOW THAT THIS
EVENT IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ACTIVITY, AND I HEREBY
VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL AND COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR,
AND THE RISK OF, ANY INJURY OR ACCIDENT THAT MAY OCCUR
DURING MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT OR WHILE ON THE
PREMISES OF THIS EVENT. I, FOR MYSELF, MY NEXT OF KIN, MY MINOR
CHILDREN THAT ATTEND THE EVENT, MY HEIRS, ADMINISTRATORS AND
EXECUTORS, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS AND COVENANT
NOT TO FILE SUIT AGAINST THE KOMEN AUSTIN AFFILIATE OF SUSAN G.
KOMEN FOR THE CURE, THEIR AFFILIATES AND ANY AFFILIATED
INDIVIDUALS, ANY EVENT SPONSORS AND THEIR AGENTS AND
EMPLOYEES AND ALL OTHER PERSONS OR ENTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH
THIS EVENT (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASEES”) FOR ANY INJURY OR
DAMAGES I MIGHT SUFFER IN CONNECTION WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN
THIS EVENT OR WHILE ON THE PREMISES OF THIS EVENT. THIS
RELEASE APPLIES TO ANY AND ALL LOSS, LIABILITY OR CLAIMS I MAY
HAVE ARISING OUT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE SUFFERED BY ME
OR OTHERS, WHETHER SUCH LOSSES, LIABILITIES OR CLAIMS BE
CAUSED BY FALLS, CONTACT WITH AND/OR THE ACTIONS OF OTHER
PARTICIPANTS, CONTACT WITH FIXED OR NON-FIXED OBJECTS,
CONTACT WITH ANIMALS, CONDITIONS OF THE PREMISES OF THE
EVENT, NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, RISKS NOT KNOWN TO ME OR
NOT REASONABLY FORESEEABLE AT THIS TIME OR OTHERWISE.
This Photographic Release and Waiver and Release of Claims (collectively,
the “Release”) shall be construed under the laws of the state in which the
Event is held.
I understand that I have given up substantial rights by accepting this race
bib and participating in this Event and have participated freely and
voluntarily without any inducement, assurance or guarantee being made to
me and intend my acceptance of this race bib and my participation in this
Event to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the greatest
extent allowed by law.
PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE
DATE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (if under age 18)
DATE
*PLEASE NOTE THAT “PACKET PICKUP” REFERS TO SHIRTS AND BIBS ONLY.
komenaustin.org
komenaustin.org
13
2011 Race Event Guide
2011 Race Event Guide
MLK Blvd.
16th St.
Family Mile
Mile Marker
15th St.
Lavaca
7:30 AM
7:30 AM
7:30 AM
7:45 AM
8 AM to 10 AM
E. 12th St.
E. 11th St.
After
the Race
10th St.
River
side
Dr
.
S. Congress Ave.
Auditorium
Shores
Neches
Trinity St.
San Jacinto
Brazos St.
Congress Ave.
Colorado
West Ave.
W. 6th St.
Red River
E. 9th St.
W. 9th St.
E. 6th St.
E. 5th St.
Radisson
Hotel
7:30 a.m. Start
• 5K Wheelchair and
Hand Cycle Race
• 5K Chip Timed Race
W. Cesar Chavez St.
komenaustin.org
Sunday
6 AM
6:30 AM
7 AM and
9 AM
Colorado
Guadalupe St.
State
Capitol
P
P
P
2nd St.
14
Saturday
Nov. 12 5PM
15th St.
14th St.
13th St.
Race Weekend Schedule
Trinity St.
Brazos St.
5K
Rolling Start
This event will occur rain
or shine. We reserve the
right to cancel in extreme
circumstances. In that event,
there will be no refunds;
rather, your entry fee will be
used as a donation to the
Komen Austin Race for
the Cure.
17th St.
Legend
Both the 5K (3.1 miles)
and 1 Mile Run/Walk
begin and finish at the
Bob Bullock Museum. The
5K Race course is USATF
certified. For the safety of
all participants, rollerblades
and pets are discouraged
from participating in this
event. Thank you for your
cooperation. We kindly
request strollers and baby
joggers participate in the 1
Mile Run/Walk or stay at the
back of the 5K Run.
Cancellation
Policy
P
START
Race Course
Be in control of your day!
The Timed 5K runners will
begin at 7:30 a.m. Untimed
participants (including the
Family 1-milers) may begin
the 5K run or walk anytime
between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
At 10 a.m., the start line will
close to ALL 5K runners and
walkers. The rolling start
time has been implemented
in an attempt to ease parking
and traffic and put Race
participants in control of
their day of celebration.
FINISH
IH–35
18th St.
Red River
Bob
Bolluck
Museum
Radisson
Hotel
Four
Seasons
Hotel
Four
Seasons
Hotel
Survivor Celebration (see pg. 11)
(RSVP required; please contact tleskovar@komenaustin.org)
Registration Tent Opens
Survivor Tent Opens/ Breakfast
Survivor Group Photos
Race Begins!
5K Wheelchair and Handcycle Race
5K Chip Timed Race
Opening Ceremonies
5K Untimed Race and the 5K Walk and
1 Mile Run/Walk (Rolling Start)
Post-Race Events
Sponsor Expo and Entertainment
Chip-timed
5K Race
R
unFAR Racing Services will
again use the disposable
road racing timing system created
by ChronoTrack Systems. Timed
participants no longer have to
register their timing chip at packet
pick-up or have it removed at the
finish line! The system allows race
organizers to print an integrated
bib and tag for each participant and
encode the runner’s bib number
into the tag’s RFID chip. The peeloff, disposable portion of the
bib becomes a tag that attaches
to runners’ shoes. You can find
instructions and more information on
the disposable tag timing system at
www.run-far.com. The timing system
does not allow the use of personal
timing chips.
As a chip-timed participant, you will
be placed into one of four divisions:
Age Group, Wheelchair, Handcycle or
Survivor. Overall winners will be scored
by gun time. Masters and age group
winners will be scored by chip time.
Results will be announced at the
RunFAR tent after the race. Prizes
will be awarded to the following
categories of 5K finishers (no
duplicate awards will be given):
• Survivor: Top 3 Overall
• Wheelchair: Top 3 Overall
(open)
• Handcycle: Top 3 Overall (open)
• Top 3 Overall Males
• Top 3 Overall Females
8-10 a.m.
Start
8:40Rolling
a.m. Start
8:40Race
a.m.and
Start
• 5K Untimed
the
• 5K Walk and 1 Mile
Run/Walk
komenaustin.org
15
2011 Race Event Guide
Teams Make the Difference!
A Word from Our Sponsors
“I support the Komen Austin Race for the Cure® because I believe
in the strength of numbers. It never fails to give me chills seeing
such a diverse group of people fighting for one cause. And, I am
humbled and honored to walk amongst the survivors.”
Adrienne Oujezdsky
SipECup
2011 Race Event Guide
D
“Randalls embraces the Komen Austin Race for the Cure’s mission
to raise significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast
cancer, celebrate cancer survivorship, and honor those who have
lost their battle with the disease. Randalls is a proud sponsor of the
Race as we band together to battle breast cancer.”
id you know that your registration fee mainly covers
the cost of putting on the Komen Austin Affiliate Race
for the Cure? Only 20 percent of Race Participants
raises funds each year, meaning 80 percent does not.
In 2010, close to 90 percent of donations came from
participants that were on a TEAM! These donations are critical
for funding LOCAL breast cancer treatment, medical and
support services as well as research for the cures. Check out
last year’s top teams below - THANK YOU for your support!
Dawne Proffitt
Randalls
“At Avant Salon and Spas, we make it a regular practice to use our
time, talent, and services to support local and national charitable
organizations. Until there is a cure for breast cancer, Avant will
continually support the Komen Austin Race for the Cure®.”
Trinity Michelle
Avant Salon and Spas
“At Austin Fit Magazine, it is our obligation and our privilege to take
a leadership role supporting landmark endeavors like Komen’s
Race for the Cure®. Health and fitness are inextricably linked in the
lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their families, and we are
proud to be participating sponsors.”
“As a woman’s magazine, all of our readers have been impacted
in some way by breast cancer. Whether they have fought it
themselves or have held a friend or family member’s hand through
the fight, breast cancer means something to all women. That’s
why we support the Komen Austin Race for the Cure, because it is
something small that we can do to combat this huge disease.”
Michelle’s Angels $21,995
Katy MacIntosh
Austin Woman Magazine
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is proud to sponsor such a wonderful
event like the Komen Austin Race for the Cure. Along with our partner,
Champion, we’re happy to support such an inspirational cause.”
$10,000 Raised
Grant Me Serenity
Bone Daddy’s
Dee’s Bust Buddies
$17,360
$12,238
$11,030
Matt Gardiner
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Melanie Moore
Austin Fit Magazine
$8,000—$10,000
Linebarger Goggan Catch Us if You Can
FLASHERS
bOObies Por Vida
Team GG
ausTIN
$9,315
$9,230
$8,810
$8,548.25
$8,395
$8,005
$6,000—$8,000
Support Komen from under your bed covers by registering online to Sleep in for the Cure . You will receive your t-shirt and
your race number (just in case you change your mind) in the mail. Sleep in for the Cure® participants can register online,
fundraise and are eligible for prizes!
®
Survivors and co-survivors are invited to the Randall’s Pink Café
for pre-/post-race Survivor activities including our annual breakfast
sponsored by Mel’s Meals, fun interactive photo booth by Stardust
16
komenaustin.org
BC Fight Club
$6,810
$6,810
M&Ms in Support of
Michelle and Melanie
Seton Edgar B. Davis Pirate of the
CUREabean
Enterprise - Greater Austin
$6,318
Boobalicious
$6,435
TMLT Ta-Ta’s
$6,187.77
$6,521
$4,000—$6,000
Survivor Activities on Race Day
Celebrate Survivors
Endeavor Real Estate Group
$7,133
Register online at
www.komenaustin.org
Breast cancer survivors who wish to be recognized may
pick up their complimentry pink cap and pink t-shirt
provided by Zeta Tau Alpha. We would also like to invite
participants to recognize those special people who have
been touched by breast cancer. “In Memory Of” and “In Celebration
Of” back signs will be available for all race participants. The Breast
Cancer Survivor Recognition Program is sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha.
$10,000
$10,320
Linda’s Boobylicious Babes
Not a morning person? Sleep in for the Cure®!
A Tribute to breast
Cancer Survivors
Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody
The Pink Panthers
Photography, all survivor group photo, massage chair
therapist, best dressed outfit/accessory contest, inspirational
sign garden, and more!
Parking for Survivors
All survivors will have assigned parking which will be clearly
marked on their parking passes, which will be included with
their registration packets.
Survivor Photos
Survivor photos will be taken on race day and will be available for sale
online after the event. Don’t forget to join us at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for
the annual survivor group photo!
Music from Mela Dailey and Staci’s Edge,
Dell- All of Dell Welcome
Komen Austin Team
Pink Angels
Jonell’s Jewels
State Farm we're there in PINK
$5,820
$5,700
$5,534
$5,140
$5,039.26
Why is fundraising so important?
When you register for the Susan G. Komen Austin
Race for the Cure®, your registration fee mainly
covers the cost of putting on the Race. If everyone
raises $125 more than they did last year, we will
exceed our fundraising goal of $1.5 million. Donations
are needed to continue providing FREE breast
cancer screening and medical treatment as well as
emergency services for the community. It’s up to us
to protect our mothers, daughters, sisters and EVEN
our fathers against this disease. Our top fundraiser
will receive round-trip air transportation on American
Airlines or American Eagle to any destination in the
continental U.S. Limit one (1) per household. Every
dollar IMPACTS the fight against breast cancer.
Donate today at www.komenaustin.org.
lead by breast cancer survivor Staci Butler
komenaustin.org
17
2011 Race Event Guide
Vital Volunteers
Fertility Preservation before Chemotherapy
T
he Komen Austin Affiliate credits its success to the many outstanding
volunteers who share their energy, ideas, talents and enthusiasm in the
fight against breast cancer. Our volunteers come in all sizes, shapes
and colors, but their hearts are PINK and their caring has no limit.
Along with Georgia-Pacific, the makers of Quilted Northern Ultra Plush™ and
the national sponsor of the Volunteer Recognition Program, we appreciate
how our volunteers are making a difference. Are you a leader, a thinker or
a doer? Use your talents in our promise to save lives and end breast cancer
forever at Komen Austin Race for the Cure! Visit www.komenaustin.org to
learn more.
For more information
please visit our website at
I AM the Cure.
®
I
AM THE CURE® is a breast health program from the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® that teaches
people simple steps they need to know to take charge
of their breast health. It speaks to the importance of
early detection and provides simple, action-oriented
chants that Race participants can take home and put
into action. These chants, and the simple steps that
lead to early detection, will come to life as more than a
million Komen Race for the Cure participants make I AM
THE CURE® their rallying cry on Race day. Visit
www.iamthecure.org to learn more!
Donate
your vehicle!
Fast and Friendly
Car Donation Service
people behind the komen austin race for the cure
2011 Race Chair
Kheira Ardjani
Komen Austin Affiliate Staff
Executive Director
Christy Casey-Moore
Grants Director
Harriett Choffel
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Harman
Marketing &
Communications Manager
Jenn Hatch
Operations Manager
Jeannine O’Deens
Development Director
Tania Leskovar-Owens
Web Administrator
Jess Rains
Director of Mission Services
Monica Saavedra
Officers of the Board
Members of the Board
President
Carol Marin
Dr. Deborah O’Connell
Jennifer Lustina
Julie Sanders
Karen Quintos
Rick Reeder
Robert Notley
Robin Thigpin
Sadaf Khan
Vice President
Yvonne Carroll
Treasurer
Justin Krost
Bookkeeper
Liza Talbot
For more information, call the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® at (512)473-0900 or visit www.komenaustin.org
18
komenaustin.org
Donate your used car, van, truck,
motorcycle, boat with a trailer, or
recreational vehicle to the Austin
Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the
Cure®, seven days a week, 24 hours
a day. It’s as easy as filling out our
online auto donation form. We
accept any vehicles regardless of
age and condition! Vehicle donations
are tax deductible.
The proceeds from the sale of our
donated vehicles will help provide
the necessary breast cancer services
for the underserved men and women
in the community. You will help make
a difference in someone’s life!
TO DONATE
1-855-KOMEN-CARS (1-855-566-3622)
www.komenaustin.org
FREE Breast Health Services
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. This is
why the Komen Austin Affiliate invested $1.139 million in the community for FREE breast cancer screening and medical
treatments as well as emergency services through the following organizations:
512-392-1161
512-930-3281
THE PROMISE
Save lives and end breast cancer forever by
empowering people, ensuring quality care for
all and energizing science to find cures.
To find out more about the promise and Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s®
impact worldwide, visit www.komen.org.
20
komenaustin.org
Get Involved
Four Advocates. Four Promises.
Most of you are only familiar with the Komen Austin Race for the Cure, but we
have other ways to get involved:
Young Professionals for the Cure
I
n 2009, a small group
of community members
created the Young
Professionals for the
Cure (YPC) to increase the
awareness of breast cancer
among the young community
and raise much needed funds
to impact the LOCAL fight
against breast cancer.
Today, the YPC is a
100-member strong group that
hosts several events including
Think Pink, a breast cancer
education event for individuals
ages 21 to 40, and Dine Out for
the Cure, a one-day fundraising
event where restaurants can
give back, as well as several
networking mixers.
They will participate in
their second Komen Austin
Race for the Cure as a team
and will host their annual
team fundraiser on Oct.
1, 2011 from 5 to 9 p.m. at
Hangar Lounge in downtown
Austin. Members of the
group even won $500 for
the Komen Austin Affiliate
by participating in the annual
Do Gooder Games presented
by the Young Non-Profit
Professionals Network.
Registration for the 2012
YPC membership will open
in October. Stay tuned to
www.komenaustin.org/ypc to
learn more.
Komen Austin
Ride for the Cure
Take the reins in the fight against breast
cancer at the second annual Komen
Austin Ride for the Cure! Next May, horse
enthusiasts from all over will come together
for a trail ride to raise awareness and funds
for the LOCAL fight against breast cancer.
If you are interested in learning how to turn
yourself AND your horse PINK for a good
cause, please email ride@komenaustin.org.
Pink Party,
A Night of Hope
We are nothing without our dedicated
advocates, volunteers and most valued grant
recipients. Each year we recognize them at
the annual Pink Park, but this coming spring
we have a few PINK tricks up our sleeves. For
sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales,
please contact Tania Leskovar-Owens at
tleskovar@komenaustin.org.
22
komenaustin.org
B
REAST CANCER has been a
part of my vocabulary since
I was 10 years old. Over the
years, I have seen the disease
wreak havoc on some of the most
influential women in my life: my aunt,
my grandmother and my mother. I
have learned that this is a disease
which does not discriminate and
knows no limits.
My mom was diagnosed in
2001 after finding a lump during
her
annual
mammogram.
She
underwent a radical mastectomy
and reconstructive surgery, followed
by eight rounds of chemotherapy
and 38 rounds of radiation. Just a
few months after completing her
treatment, we found out that the
cancer had spread to her brain. The
doctors found a malignant brain
tumor the size of a golf ball. Again,
she had the tumor removed and
underwent 25 additional radiation
treatments. She was only in
remission for a few months when
the cancer returned once more.
This time the doctor told us that
it spread to the fluids in her brain
and spine; there was nothing
else that could be done. At the
age of 49, she finally lost her
battle to breast cancer.
My sister and I decided to participate
in the Komen Austin Race for the Cure in
November of 2004. I had no idea that my
life was about to change. There is nothing
more inspiring than looking out in the crowd
and seeing thousands of people whose lives
have also been affected by breast cancer.
For the first time since my mom died, I
realized I was not alone. It was the most
exhilarating experience, and my sister and I
were hooked! We have participated in the
Race every year since!
I started volunteering for the Komen
Austin Affiliate in 2009. I began by
attending health fairs in the community,
educating people about breast cancer
and the Komen Austin Affiliate. It was so
empowering to share my story. I was able to
connect and relate with complete strangers
who have also been touched by the disease.
I loved volunteering so much that I decided
to apply for an internship with them in the
spring of 2010. Since then, I have served on
two volunteer committees for the Race, and
I am currently the Race for the Cure Intern.
I PROMISE to dedicate my time and
resources to support the Race for the Cure
Chair so that we can put on a successful
Race in which our participants, survivors,
and co-survivors feel loved, encouraged and
supported. No one should ever feel alone in
this fight.
My journey with the Komen Austin
Affiliate has brought meaning and purpose
to my life. I made a conscious decision to
turn the most negative experience into a
positive one. I refuse to stop fighting my
mom’s fight and will continue to make my
impact on breast cancer in her memory.
What will you promise?
Jana McSwain
Race for the Cure Intern
Follow us on Twitter @komenaustin
Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/komenaustin
Read about us at komenaustin.wordpress.com
Watch us at www.youtube.com/komenaustin
komenaustin.org
23
Four Advocates. Four Promises.
I
remember standing at the start line
crying at the 2009 Komen Austin Race
for the Cure. I was overwhelmed by the
survivors who surrounded me: some
wearing shirts with the year they were
diagnosed, some with the year they became
cancer-free and others with balding heads
currently battling the disease. They were all
smiling from ear to ear.
I had been a part of the Race since
2006 helping to organize our workplace
team. My grandmother died from breast
cancer when I was only 7 years old. I
don’t really have many memories of her,
but I ALWAYS race for her!
In 2010, I started a team and raised
money, but unfortunately I found out I
would not be able to be in Austin on
Race day. So, I searched for another
way to get involved. I became an
office volunteer for the Komen Austin
Affiliate and assisted new team
captains for the Race with questions
and ideas on fundraising. Since I had
done the Race for several years and
had been a team captain, it was a
perfect fit.
F
ortunately, breast cancer was
foreign to me until a dear friend
of mine was diagnosed. Her grace
through the entire experience and
her genuine concern for her daughters and
other important women in her life sparked
something inside of me that grew into a fullblown passion that needed to be expressed.
I felt there was a huge opportunity to
educate young people about breast cancer
in a unique and fun way - and by fun, I
mean a 100-yard high heel dash! In 2009, I
started Stiletto Stampede for the Cure with
the support of my closet friends and family,
who were just as passionate as I was about
the cause.
As a group, we decided that the
event should support the Komen Austin
Affiliate since it is a vital organization for
our community.
They have incredible
leadership and a proven track record of
positively influencing those that live in our
area through critical grant giving, necessary
social services and life-saving education.
We are now in our third year and are
thrilled to announce that the Stiletto
Stampede for the Cure event will be
expanding to other fabulous Texas cities,
including Houston this fall and Dallas and
Waco in the spring of 2012. We know there
are people everywhere who may not know
that breast cancer does not discriminate
based on what year you were born, so we
can’t stop at Austin.
24
komenaustin.org
The Stiletto Stampede organization
will also be launching BOOB CAMP this
October. This comprehensive program
will not only concentrate on the physical
portion of post-surgery recovery, but the
social and emotional aspects of healing
as well. We will provide a series of postoperative land and water exercises at
Pure Austin and a beauty experience
at 512 Skincare and Thomas Saverio
Salon & Spa following the completion
of the program.
I PROMISE to continue to be
breast self-aware, to maintain the
Stiletto Stampede mission, and to
encourage young women and men
to know and understand the risks of
breast cancer and empower them
to prevent the disease by utilizing
overall
breast
self-awareness
through early detection, screening
methods and education.
To
learn
more
about
Stiletto Stampede, visit www.
stilettostampede.org
Michelle
Patterson
Stiletto Stampede for the Cure
Founder & Advocate
I am there to do whatever the team
needs me to do - there is no job too small.
I have a very busy job as a restaurant
manager and sometimes can’t volunteer
as much as I would like, but I make it work.
Volunteering is important to me because I
am doing something bigger than me.
A few times a month, I get calls to
the office from women who don’t have
insurance and think they may have a
lump in their breast. They don’t know
where to go or what to do, and they need
help. I can help by directing them to the
community health care organizations that
provide FREE breast cancer services that
the Komen Austin Affiliate funds. Those
are the moments that make it all worth it.
I PROMISE to continue to volunteer
with the Komen Austin Affiliate to help
in any way that I can and to continue to
educate my friends about breast cancer
and early detection.
Brittney Franks
Volunteer
I
PROMISE to embrace each day and
live life to the fullest. I PROMISE to help
encourage others battling cancer to wake
up each day and do the same. I PROMISE
to pray, motivate, encourage and inspire
those in the midst of their fight with cancer.
In December 2009, I was diagnosed with
ductile carcinoma in situ stage II breast cancer
with probable lymph node involvement.
My doctor performed a lumpectomy and
removed 22 lymph nodes from my right side.
After surgery, my doctor told me “you’re
young and strong, you probably have a
50/50 chance of surviving five years.”
Wow! Not what I expected to hear. By
looking at the lymph nodes, my doctor
thought that 12 were involved. I lived with
that diagnosis for three days until I saw an
oncologist, who said the pathology report
showed that only two lymph nodes were
involved. If I did all the recommended
treatment, I could beat this thing.
I was still devastated. All my life I dedicated
myself to a strict healthy diet. I have
completed five marathons, two triathlons
and too many half marathons and 10k’s to
count. It was hard to fathom that I had breast
cancer. I continued to run throughout my
surgeries, recovery and all sorts of scans and
testing. On Feb. 14, 2010, I even ran the Austin
Half Marathon in 2:06 hours. I felt great. I felt
normal. My port for chemotherapy was right
under my bra strap and not happy to be
running, but I never felt it after the first mile. During my chemotherapy, my sister Terri
called to tell me she stayed up praying for
me asking God - why? Why Lydia? The
answer came back to her as my greeting
cards with characters I created in 1995.
I felt her prayer was truly a sign to start
drawing again and use those characters
in the fight against cancer, so
got2live was born.
A few weeks after my first
chemotherapy
treatment,
I
received my first of many medical
bills in the mail for $17,000. Wow!
Although I had insurance, I was still
amazed by the healthcare costs. It
is hard enough to fight cancer; I
can’t imagine dealing with the
financial stress of unpaid medical
bills on top of my treatment.
During my treatment, I learned
about the many patients who
can’t afford their electricity
bill, a cab ride to treatment or
even a babysitter during or
after treatment. This broke my
heart. I really wanted got2live
to provide money to those
who struggle financially during
treatment.
We recently launched a
pink line of got2live cards that
support the Komen Austin
Affiliate to help those who do
not have insurance or need
help paying for their cancer
treatment.
I was able to keep running
throughout
my
cancer
treatment, which helped me
both physically and mentally.
I hope we can ALL unite
on Sunday, November 13 to
Race for the Cure. Every step does matter.
Lydia Miller
got2live Founder & Survivor
Visit www.got2live.net to learn more about Lydia’s cards.
Breast Self-Awareness
1) Know your risk
• Talk to your family to learn your health
history
• Talk to your healthcare provider about
your risk of breast cancer
2) Get screened
• Ask your doctor which tests are right
for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting
at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least
every 3 years starting at age 20, and
every year starting at 40
3) Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
4) Make healthy lifestyle choices
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit postmenopausal hormone use
• Add exercise into your routine
• Breastfeed, if you can
• Limit alcohol intake
komenaustin.org
25
When stamina runs out,
nspiration
kicks in.
You might feel a little more wind at your back.
It comes from knowing that 75% of the money you raise for the
Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will help fund
LOCAL breast cancer treatment, screening and education programs.
SUPPORT US AT MARATHONFORTHECURE.ORG!
Call today to schedule an appointment with any one of our five renowned locations.
Austin Area
OB/GYN
& Fertility
512.451.8211 512.244.3698
512.339.6626
512.454.5721
512.459.8082
Central Texas OB/GYN Associates I www.centexobgyn.com
©2010 Susan G. Komen for the Cure® The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.