After her initial diagnosis of breast cancer, double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery in the span of weeks in late 2011, my mom, Rohini (Ro) Ciampi prioritized living life to the fullest with gratitude and this included participation in the Komen community. She always said she wasn't just a survivor, she was a thriver. Team Ro began running the Race for the Cure with Ro running as our fearless leader, and when I joined the Komen NYC Young Professionals Committee, my mom could often be found enjoying the fundraising events with me. Shortly before her 10 year anniversary as a thriver, my mom received the unexpected news that the cancer had returned in November 2021. She had recently become a certified counselor through the American Cancer Society to provide others with the support and courage she had found through her own diagnosis and journey. It was awe-inspiring.
My mother passed away on March 8, 2023 after a brave and spirited battle, at 53 years old.
She looked forward to running this race in its full glory since pre-Covid times, as it was an annual staple in her day planner. After running the Race for the Cure for nearly ten years with my mom as our heartbeat, Team Ro ran the 2023 race without her. We set a team fundraising record, appearing on the leaderboard alongside large companies! We will run again in 2024 and hope you can join in.
We run this race like we do everything since she passed - driven by her spirt, determined to make an impact of her size, with laughter in remembrance of some of the best times we shared.
We run so that no one else has to say goodbye to a teammate. We love you, Mom.
Race for the Cure Alumni
Team Captain
