I participated in my first Race for the Cure to support my lifelong best friend, Sue, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35. I joined her for her hometown Race in Virginia every year until she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and was too sick to participate. Then, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while my prognosis was good, I took a break from fundraising until Sue passed away during COVID lockdown. Komen’s presence in Virginia became smaller in the aftermath and I suddenly realized, “What if there wasn’t a Susan G. Komen? What if COVID somehow became so powerful in its destruction that Komen ceases to exist?”

As the world opened up and I retired from my career as a social worker, I was able to devote more time to supporting Komen through my hometown Race for the Cure. I’m a Zumba instructor and have been honored to lead the warm-up before the Race for the last three years.

I Race for my best friend, Sue Erhard Midgett. She was a generous, kind soul who never gave up and was there for me to help navigate my own breast cancer diagnosis. - Donna M.

I’ve been familiar with Komen’s Race for the Cure for a number of years, as friends who have gone through treatment have organized teams for their local events. Then, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020. It was a difficult time, and no one could come with me to my treatments due to COVID protocols. After everything I experienced on this journey, I knew I wanted to get involved with the Race and establish a team.

Medicine has advanced so much since Komen opened its doors, and I want to support research; especially research focusing on marginalized communities and the prevalence of breast cancer among African American women. Komen is an organization advancing in this area. - Tina P.

I was first introduced to the Race for the Cure in 2002, after participating in a training workshop for runners. The culmination of that workshop was running the Komen 5K, and that experience of a community coming together with compassion and determination is what hooked me.

I decided to form a team of my own and believed I could build the largest team for the 2003 Race. I worked in the electronics technology field, which is a big industry in my area, so I set about recruiting people and companies I worked with to join my team. Well, it took me 20 years, but in 2022, I finally succeeded in my goal to have the largest team in my local Race for the Cure.

I’ve lost an aunt to breast cancer and over the years, some of my very best friends on my team have gone through a diagnosis. While I hate adding names to my Race bib, I know the money I raise supports crucial work to help find the cures to end breast cancer. - Mary R.

I was sitting at home alone recovering from my mastectomy when the urge to do something hit me. I went online and found my local Race for the Cure. I registered right away and got my family involved, and the little bit we did that first year was so powerful. Since my first Race, I’ve gotten even more involved and have served on the entertainment committee and in several other volunteer roles.

It gives you chills to see all the people affected by breast cancer and to feel the love and support from everyone there is absolutely incredible. But it’s more than just the comradery; I raise money to support research. My hope is one day, when a woman is told she has breast cancer, there are less invasive treatment options with fewer side effects. While there’s been so much progress made, breast cancer can still be so relentless. - Lori M.

I’m originally from Canada, and it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with breast cancer that I first learned about Susan G. Komen and Race for the Cure. I was discussing my diagnosis at work and one of my colleague’s moms had passed away from breast cancer. He had participated in the Race in the past and encouraged me to put a team together.

I started a team and was thrilled we were recognized as the top fundraising team for our local Race. The big moment for me was seeing everyone there who had been affected and all the people there supporting them. It was such an amazing feeling.

I’m exceptionally grateful for the great care and medicine I received; I believe with more research, we can do so much more. We can learn more about genetics, the causes and find the cures! - Paula H.

I’m a 25-year survivor of breast cancer and registered for my first Race for the Cure after my treatment. I learned about it from my aunt, also a survivor, who participated in the very first Twin Cities Race for the Cure in 1993. I knew it would be a great thing to do, so my best friend and I started a team and it just evolved from there.

My favorite thing about the Race is the opportunity to volunteer with my friends and family. It’s just a wonderful friends and family affair for us. My sister and I are on the operations committee, and it’s been a lot of fun being behind the scenes. We’re making lifetime friendships. - Shelly D.