Race for the Cure

Every year the Quad Cities hosts a Komen Race for the Cure, a fundraiser to fight against breast cancer.  This year their race was quite significant to our family because my mom was the Honorary Survivor Chairperson.  Almost exactly 18 years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She has a pretty cool story, actually.  She went to a Circle meeting at her church and there was a lady there talking about how to do breast self exams.  She had a dummy there where the women could actually feel what a lump was like.  My mom discovered the lump on her own body because of that experience at her church.  She initially had the lump removed and then a mastectomy.  She also endured six months of chemotherapy.  It wasn't fun for any of us.  But here we are 18 years later and she is cancer free and quite healthy.

This Honorary Survivor Chairperson role allowed my mom to share her story and encourage others to take the necessary precautions to catch breast cancer early.  She got to speak on the radio and tv.  There were articles in the newspaper and other speaking opportunities.  My mom is such an outgoing, energetic, and happy person that she was perfect for the position.  The organization she works for got behind her and formed a team for the race and raised the most money as a group for the cause.

The day of the race was an early morning for us, but it was well worth it to hear my mom share her story and to see all the people who have been touched by breast cancer.  I was blown away by the survivors who participated in the race, as well as the people who wore shirts with pictures and "In Memory" messages.  It made me wonder why I was so lucky that my mom lived and those people's relative or friend did not.  But I have seen countless times how my mom has been able to use her experience with cancer to inspire or encourage others.  And I've seen how her outlook on life is totally different now.

Sometimes it is really hard to understand why God allows horrible things to happen, but my mom is living proof that good can come of them.  When times are tough, God wants us to rely completely on Him and then use what we learn to bring Him glory.  And my mom has done just that.

My mom got to go up in the lift with the starter of the race

Aria liked all the dogs

Aria needed a lift for part of the way

Water stations along the route

Grandma and Papa don't know how to say no

People along the route decorated their homes or yards and came out to support the runners/walkers

Dogs need water, too