Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure raised $200,000 in Tulsa on Saturday. The Walk for Breast Cancer raises funds for advocacy, support and research.
Leanne Taylor, from Oklahoma, stood with survivors in Race for the Cure.
Leanne has been a breast cancer survivor for 21 years now, and takes part in the race every year.
The Race for the Cure in Tulsa will bring together hundreds of people with different stories of how breast cancer has affected their lives.
Lindsay Roberts has been a cancer survivor for seven years, and her diagnosis at age 31 came as a shock.
“It was a total surprise because (I) had no family history and was otherwise young and healthy. In fact, I was eight months pregnant at the time,” Roberts said.
Thanks to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Lindsay and other survivors like her have a place to connect.
“Everyone’s journey is different, but it’s a great support to have someone who’s been on a similar path,” Roberts said.
Shari Holdman is executive director of the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Oklahoma and knows just how special this event is.
“We bring women and men together to celebrate their journey and not only support those who may be on the same path, but also to uplift those who may need their help,” Holdman said.
The race also brings together family and friends who compete alongside their loved ones.
Georgina Mishkin became the first female runner to cross the finish line on Saturday as a show of support for a loved one.
“A very close family member of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer so being here is very special for me and it’s the first time I’m running with my daughter so it means a lot,” Mishkin said.
Survivors call it a “club you never want to join” and encourage both women and men to look after their health.
“Always, always, get tested for anything. Self-check, self-examine, if you find anything, get tested, advocate for yourself,” Roberts said.
