2026 Komen Houston Race for the Cure

Twenty-three years ago, my life changed forever.

In January 2003, at the age of 36, I was healthy, active, and looking forward to starting a family. During my annual appointment, my doctor once again reminded me to perform monthly breast self-exams. Each year, he showed me an educational VHS video funded by Susan G. Komen that reinforced the importance of knowing my body and paying attention to changes.

I followed that advice.

During a routine self-exam, I felt a lump.

On January 27, 2003, after a fine needle aspiration performed in my surgeon's office, I heard the words no woman ever expects to hear: "You have breast cancer."

Just ten days later, on February 6, I underwent surgery to remove the tumor. By February 19, I had become a patient at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I began a long and difficult treatment journey.

My diagnosis was Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma, Grade 3, hormone receptor positive.

Over the next several months and years, I endured:

• Surgery
• Eight rounds of chemotherapy
• Six weeks of daily radiation treatments
• Five years of Tamoxifen
• Five years of Femara

The cancer was challenging enough, but what broke my heart was something I never anticipated.

My husband and I were trying to have a baby.

The chemotherapy that helped save my life also left me infertile and forced me into early menopause. The future I had envisioned disappeared overnight.

Yet through it all, I was one of the fortunate ones.

I am here today.

And when I reflect on why, I always return to that simple self-exam.

If I had not been educated about the importance of breast awareness, if I had not been reminded to check, if I had ignored that small lump, my story might have ended very differently.

That is why I have spent the years since my diagnosis supporting Susan G. Komen.

I have been a volunteer, a spokesperson, and a fundraiser because I have seen firsthand the difference Komen makes. Their commitment to education led me to the very information that helped me detect my cancer early. Their support of breast cancer research helped advance treatments that became part of my own care plan.

Every dollar raised helps fund research, education, support services, and hope for those currently facing a diagnosis like mine.

Today, I am asking for your support.

Please consider making a donation to my Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure fundraising campaign. No gift is too small. Your contribution helps ensure that more women have access to the education, resources, and advances in treatment that can save lives.

Because of early detection, I am here to share my story.

Because of research, I am a survivor.

Because of organizations like Susan G. Komen and the generosity of supporters like you, countless others can have the same chance.

Thank you for helping me continue this mission that is so personal to me.

With gratitude,

Cindy Saenz

Breast Cancer Survivor 

Susan G. Komen Volunteer, Spokesperson, and Fundraiser