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7-year-old Supporter Inspires All Generations by Exemplifying “Tzedakah”

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:10:57 -0500

Dear Susan G. Komen for the Cure,

My name is Jonah Katz and I am seven years old. Each month, someone in my house decides where our Tzedakah (Jewish word for "charity") money will go. This month, I wanted to send our money to you in memory of my grandmom, Judy Pincus, who died of breast cancer in 2009. Our team is called "Hearts for Judy." My dad wrote the check, but the money comes from me.

Thank you,

Jonah Katz

Very First Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Chairperson Recalls an Historic Time

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:31 -0500

Oh, how we've grown!

Just as surviving breast cancer has changed my life, so did that very first, and all subsequent, Komen Race for the Cure events in Philadelphia. They have enriched my life, as well as the lives of hundreds-of-thousands of others - and, in fact, helped saved the lives of potentially millions.

At last year's Race, we greeted more than 100,000 people on Eakins Oval and held a parade for 6,500+ breast cancer survivors, thanks to the generosity of 1,000 volunteers and over 100 sponsors.

Some people ask, "The Race has grown so big, why the need to aim even higher?"
The answer is simple: until every life - of this generation and the next, and the next - can live free from the fear of this disease, we have to.

Your support of the 2010 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure is essential for the continued growth that will empower us to save more lives and bring into reality our vision of a world without breast cancer... not just "at some far-off future time," but quite possibly for your children and grandchildren.

I am still a very active member of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, and we all look forward to embracing you in the excitement and special opportunities of our milestone 20th Anniversary celebration. And, as a breast cancer survivor, I thank you for your support, dedication and passion for the cure.

With sincerest appreciation,

Phyllis Roseman

Survivor, Activist, Original Race Participant - Smelling the Roses Every Day.

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:17:20 -0500

Then in 1998 the unspeakable happened. I, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation followed. I stayed in bed that Mother's Day morning and prayed for a cure.

Each Mother's Day since then, my family and I have participated in Race. Each Mother's Day I watch the crowd of walkers multiply. Each Mother's Day I watch the throng of pink survivors on the steps of The Art Museum increase. As I descend the steps each year, my eyes fill with tears because I am a survivor. Each Mother's Day we come closer to finding a cure for this horrendous disease that took the life of my beautiful sister so many years ago.

Last year I became actively involved with the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. I am co-chair of the “Pretty In Pig” project which raises money to support the breast cancer movement. I suppose, for me this is a way to give back and a way to continue to fight until a cure for breast cancer is found.

For me, I now live my life by one single motto, “Don't forget to smell the roses every day...”

Susan E. Hyman

A young breast cancer survivor reacts to recent U.S.P.S.T.F screening recommendations.

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:21:25 -0500

If I would have waited to get a mammography, I might not be alive. I had breast cancer at 31 and I followed my instincts to find out what was wrong with me. I am now 32 and every given day is a blessing. I want to make it to 50 and beyond; therefore, I have to do what can led me to longevity. Early detection is vital for survivorship and waiting is detrimental to health. It is easier for people who never had cancer to suggest when people should get checked for cancer because they have not experienced life with cancer.

Again, thank you for your support,

Lydia Smith

A young woman in need finds hope

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:39:09 -0500

You're organization got in touch with me and helped me to schedule an appointment with a doctor who will help me - and for that I am eternally grateful. In addition to my thanks, I am writing you in hopes that you will keep me in mind anytime you need anything I can help you with: whether it be to spread the word about how this situation changed - and will continue to change - my life, or to raise money or awareness for your amazing organization.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you so much for your outpouring of compassion and concern for me. I hope that you keep me in mind if, like me, you ever need a favor from a stranger. Thank you again so much for all you have done for me.

Casey Spiwak

Empowering the Indonesian Community

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:09:13 -0400

I appreciate very much your assistance, and hope that you can continue your supports for the Indonesian community in the USA.

Once again, thank you very much, and may God always bless your loving social works.

Yours sincerely,
Maria Budihardjo

Grantee Shares Sucess Stories

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:58:43 -0400

At one breast health workshop, we had four men who attended. At first we were suspicious of their participation, but they were very interested in the information. We found out at the end of the workshop that the men were there to learn enough so that they would be able to demonstrate to others (men and women) how to examine themselves.

At one of our workshops, one newly diagnosed African-American woman was very upset and shared that she would not go forward with the treatment that was recommended by her doctor. Women in that group shared their stories, offered her hope and encouraged her to get treatment. Two days later we found out that she began her treatment at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana. She gives The Wellness Community of Delaware the credit for saving her life, by giving her hope and some directions.

Thank you for the funding that helps make this possible,

Barbara P. Lowery

Community Based Program Coordinator

The Wellness Community of Delaware

More information on the Wellness Community of Delaware is available at www.wellnessdelaware.org

Special Thanks in Memory of a Dear Breast Cancer Activist

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:44:15 -0400

As you know, Megan was a huge supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure because she knew people, dear to her heart affected by breast cancer. Although Megan is no longer with us, our family will continue Megan's support of your organization as long as we live. The Race for the Cure is a beautiful event on a beautiful day, and we will be honored to perpetuate Megan's legacy of caring through our Race participation.

Now that Megan is gone, The Megan Ashley Perry Foundation is our way of sharing Megan's spirit with the world. What an amazing, kind, beautiful, smart, silly, giving, young woman. I will always think of her as my sister, and hope that through our support of Komen, the women you touch may in some way experience a similar empowerment of sisterhood in the fight against breast cancer.

Again, thank you for your support in our time of tragedy, as well as in our journey ahead. I am looking forward to developing a good friendship on behalf of Megan and her family.

All the best,
Devon Segel

Click here to learn about an upcoming event for the Megan Ashley Perry Foundation, August 8

Reflections from 2009 Race 1st-Place Finisher

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:21:53 -0400

Breast cancer is near and dear to my heart. My sister at the age of thirty-six with six children passed away from this horrible disease. My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer and survived.

My family and I have been participating in this event for the past eighteen years and most recently I have recruited my neighbors. This very well organized event is for a great cause. I will continue to run this event until my legs tell me otherwise.

Thank you so much.

Gert Freas

This May, the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate proudly awarded Gert with the 2009 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure 1st-place female finisher prize. We applaud Gert for her courageous fight as a co-survivor in her mother's fight against breast cancer, as well as for her ongoing determination to end this disease for all women.

New Jersey Boutiques Touch the Heats of Komen Philadelphia Volunteer

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:27:09 -0400

I embrace your support of this health issue and am happy that you chose me to serve that night in an effort to raise awareness. I must comment on your member, Norma, who did everything in her power to make me welcome and comfortable. Candy and Crystal, you each worked hard and your commitment was very evident by the way you presented the show. “Pretty In Pink” was right on point. I have heard many, many positive comments as I run into your guests in my travels.

Thank you for the contribution of $575.00 to sponsor me in the Race for the Cure this year. We need more people like you to continue the fight for a cure. Many will be blessed by your support. The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is happy to have you on board.

God’s Blessings and stay well. Thank you sincerely.

Joy,

June C. White
Education Outreach
Susan G. Komen, Philadelphia Affiliate

My first time walking down the steps as a Survivor

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:50:32 -0500

Next year I plan on bringing another old friend of mine with me because she just started her treatment last week. It is sad that we had to all be reconnected this way. But now we will have our own little support group.

A 2 year survivor, 1 year survivor and a newbie! We have to look at the bright side we are all here to tell our story! Things could be worse right? Well, anyway thank you so much for the photo. It is great! I will posted it here at work proudly!

Thank you. I hope you get some rest after all your hard work on the Race. Great job!! Take care. We will be participating next year. We are going to raise our goal for next year!

Beth Strain Berry, Constituent Service Representative
Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown

Jane Lopoten's Dance Group Celebrates Life on Race Day

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:27:04 -0500

For the past five Mother's Days, Jane, the Owner/Director of Jane Lopoten's School of Dance in Lansdale, has been prepping her dance students at 5 AM on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they inspire a crowd of more than 100,000 Race for the Cure attendees.

Their "celebrate life" performance has become a much cherished tradition at the Race. The dancers (ranging in age from 14-18 years) are particularly excited to perform this May 11, having just raised $13,000 in one month to support the Race for the Cure.

With one woman dying from breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S., sadly every girl in Jane's school has been touched by the disease in her young life. More than just dancing on Race day, Jane embraces the Komen mission to end breast cancer by integrating it into her dance school-encouraging the girls to be aware, to be comfortable with the topic, and to teach their mothers, too.

Some may ask, why start at such a young age? The answer lies in the story of one of Jane's 16-year old students who had a lump in her breast. For quite some time, she told no one, until the lessons learned at the School of Dance convinced her not to be embarrassed. She then found the courage to talk to her parents, seek treatment and now lives to "dance again."