Fundraiser celebrates survivors

Could one person really make a difference?

Nancy Brinker made a promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from cancer, that she would find a way to end breast cancer forever. But how?

In 1982, Brinker created the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, spreading a global breast cancer movement. The foundation establishes relationships between survivors, encourages early detection, provides education and raises money to fight breast cancer.

The Race for the Cure is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. Now in its 25th year, the race has more than 1.5 million people – survivors, family, friends and supporters – participating worldwide. Twenty-five percent of the money raised in local races is given to the Komen Foundation for national research. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds are donated to local grants for breast cancer education, screening and treatment.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coeur d’Alene will present the Lake City’s ninth-annual race on Sunday. The third-annual race in Spokane, hosted by Susan G. Komen for the Cure Eastern Washington, was on April 20.

Gail Turley is a nurse at Panhandle Health District, a Family Planning Coordinator for North Idaho and a Komen Coeur d’Alene affiliate board member. The Panhandle Health District is the largest recipient of the Komen grant for the past eight years, reaching the five northern counties in Idaho. “Of the four grants I work with, this one is closest to my heart,” she said.

“Having the screening paid for is a privilege, and we’re thrilled to have this organization behind us,” Turley said. In 2007, 449 procedures were paid and nine breast cancers were diagnosed. In 2008 to date, 13 breast cancers have been diagnosed.

Nancy Mueller, a teacher at Winton Elementary in Coeur d’Alene, has been on the board with the Coeur d’Alene Affiliate for three years. In its nine years, the race Sunday will be her seventh. She started out helping in a food booth when a friend suggested that she become a board member. “One of the reasons I got involved is because of the number of teachers that I know and work with – all of them survivors,” she said.

Mueller said the mission of the Coeur d’Alene affiliate – and the Komen Foundation – is to eradicate breast cancer. “We don’t want to see children have to have it as a part of their lives.”

Eastern Washington has been given $350,000 for grants and research from funds raised by the race and other Komen fundraisers, said Mary Giannini, Eastern Washington affiliate president. “The race is the most prominent fundraiser and gets the most attention.” She said she has run every race so far.

Mike Bresson is the race director for the Eastern Washington affiliate and said that in the chilly April race, 500 survivors participated, up 10 percent from 2007, and other participants increased 20 percent from last year. “Regardless of the weather, people really believe in this cause and know what Komen is all about,” Bresson said. “The race gives hope.”

Both the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane races have booths set up to educate and motivate participants. Gail Turley will be teaching women at the Coeur d’Alene Race about breast self-exams and stressing early detection. She said she’ll also be taking pictures and cheering on racers.

Kids can race, too. The Coeur d’Alene Kids for the Cure is a one-mile race that will start at the same time on Sundayas the Coeur d’Alene Race. And, for those who don’t want to race, but want to do their part to help, donations can be made directly to Susan G. Komen or any affiliate.

Race for the Cure recognizes breast cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle. Nancy Brinker kept her promise to her sister and now millions are making a difference to end breast cancer forever.