Last Sunday I participated in the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Race For The Cure 5k in Temecula, California. I do this walk every year with my Mom (except for the two times that I was pregnant and unable to participate.) I walk in honor of my Mother and in memory of my Aunt Yvonne. Before the race begins, the survivors gathered for the annual group photo to the tune of Melissa Etheridge's "I Run For Life" (which brings me to tears every single time I hear it) blaring from the speakers. As these women huddled together at the starting line with their arms around one another I noticed that they were ALL smiling! Smiling? Can you imagine? I am so inspired by their bravery and strength. I watched as they raised their pink roses in the air like torches of victory! As I gave my Mom a thumbs up, I was thinking of all of the people each one of these local women represents. What looked like a sea of pink hats and scarves was in reality just a tiny portion of those who have suffered. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, more than 200,000 individuals will be diagnosed this year and 40,000 will die from the disease. This thought sends shivers down my spine. Will I one day find my self lifting a pink rose into the air at the starting line?


Today, an old friend who I went to school with since first grade informed me that she was just diagnosed with Pagets disease of the breast. She is only 36!! She is scheduled for a mastectomy on November 1st. (Please keep her in your thoughts that day.) She will undergo chemo for 6 months then possibly radiation and hormone therapy. She has a very long road ahead of her (so does her family). My heart is breaking for Bridgitte. I want to comfort her, but I don't know how. I want to take her pain away, but I can't. All I can do is hope. Next year I will also be walking in honor of Bridgitte.

I RUN FOR LIFE
(by Melissa Etheridge)

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth
For all that is real
I run for your mother your sister your wife
I run for you and me my friend I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To waken when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more