SUSAN’S CHAMPIONS
This is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. On August 9, 2010, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. On October 11, 2010 I had a double mastectomy. The cancer was worse than they thought and it had spread to the lymph nodes. 2011 was a very tough year for me as not only did I battle the Breast Cancer but just as I was finishing this battle, I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. I had a Carcinoid Tumor in the main airway to the left lung causing it to collapse. Thank goodness, for a great lung cancer specialist in St. Louis that froze the tumor to get rid of it. Once the tumor was gone, my left lung inflated and I was breathing better!
One of the main highlights in 2011, was my first Susan G. Komen Ozark Race of the Cure. When I received my survivor shirt I thought I am not a survivor, I am still fighting this! On the day of the race, my daughter had come to walk with me along with a few co-workers. I didn’t go to the Survivor Breakfast because I didn’t feel like a survivor. We were getting ready for the Family Fun Walk and I looked over the hill and I saw the sea of pink, the ladies wearing their Survivor Shirts! I suddenly felt the awesome feeling come over me. I was one of them, I was a Survivor!! I decided then, I was going to continue working and help raise as much as I could for this cause. I certainly didn’t want anyone else to have to go through what I have been through!
It has now been 7 years since that first race and this year I will have my Sister, Daughter, 4 Granddaughters plus co-workers and friends walking with me at the race!! I am so blessed to still be here and Cancer Free!!! You can’t ask more than that!!
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“When I got diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 it was overwhelming. I was scared and life felt fragile and unstable. After my diagnosis, Misty Johnson called me and let me know of the support and service that the Cancer Support Home provides. I received help from the “No Excuses” program, paying for some diagnostic tests since my deductible was so high. The boutique at CSH has many items available for surgery support. This wonderful team put me in contact with other community support programs that helped me through my treatments, as well as, survivor programs for myself and for my children. Thanks to the Susan G. Komen Ozark and the many organizations that benefit from the Komen Ozark funding, my cancer journey was made into a blessing.”
Almost a year ago my Mom was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She began her journey having her first chemo treatment on her birthday, She tolerated her chemotherapy so well and she even did Cold Cap Therapy so she never lost any hair. She had a mastectomy and lymph node removal. Sadly, her scans after surgery indicated the cancer had metastasized. We were devastated to hear the news. Although there were many tears, my Mom never lost her positive attitude. She would tell everyone that “It’s ALL going to be OK”. She lost her battle on February 11, 2018. So my reason for starting the team Peggy Summers Pink Pride is in memory of my Mom and in hopes of helping others.
I have served on the Race for the Cure Steering Committee for over 5 years. I began serving in college in honor of my grandmother, who was a breast cancer survivor. Little did I know that just after my 25th birthday that I too would be diagnosed with breast cancer. I moved to Little Rock to be with my family through treatment, but immediately started serving on the committee again when I returned to Fayetteville. I now have an even deeper commitment to Susan G. Komen and am so grateful for all they do. I am a huge supporter of the Race for the Cure not just because of the funds raised for our community, but also because of the education and awareness aspect. I want others to know that breast cancer does not discriminate based on age. It can happen to anyone at any time, and catching it early is key. I serve as a volunteer because I personally have been touched by the lives of so many who have had breast cancer and by so many who have cared for and supported those with breast cancer.
Your race day liaison, Anna Daily, is a graduate of the UofA, lifelong hog fan, and longtime NWA resident. Anna has volunteered in other capacities with Komen Ozark, and understands how the funds raised through this race will impact the lives of women and families throughout Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri.
I am Lindsay Rutherford and I serve as a race day liaison. I have volunteered with Komen Ozark for the past two years, serving as a concierge on the Race Committee. I fully believe in the work Komen Ozark is doing. By not only educating women on Breast Health but also by supporting women financially, emotionally, and physically, I truly believe that the number of breast cancer deaths and late stage diagnosis will be greatly decreased.
