Background
Rally for the Cure proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016. We created our “Why I Rally” series to celebrate and honor our Ambassadors who’ve supported our program over the years.
“Why I Rally” allows our Ambassadors and participants to tell their story, and share their commitment and dedication in helping put an end to breast cancer. Each and every one of you makes a difference!
Why I Rally…
“I am a 26 year survivor of breast cancer. When I was first diagnosed with this disease, I was very scared. My 3 children were still school-aged, and I feared that I would never live to see them grow up; or get to know my grandchildren. After chemo treatment (and family support), I very quickly discovered many other women who were either going through treatment or who had survived breast cancer. Witnessing their strength, I became determined to give back to those who had helped me get through this. As a start, I spoke with others, and offered encouragement and support through the Reach to Recovery Program.
About 14 years ago, I was asked to play in a golf tournament in Florida, the “Rally for the Cure,” to benefit Susan G. Komen. It was so inspirational that, after just one tournament, I went home to Kentucky and sought to enhance the program that we already had at our local golf club. In it, we had been contributing to Komen about $5.00 per player (we had about 20 golfers at the time) in support of the cause. I got heavily involved as the tournament organizer, and soon we had well over 100 women golfers, all dressed in pink, supporting this great cause. The amount we have raised for fighting breast cancer has now reached well over $250,000.
The road I have traveled, while painful at times, overall has been rewarding and fulfilling. Now my role has changed a bit, as my husband and I have moved to Florida permanently. I still actively support the Komen foundation and the fight against breast cancer. In fact, I just played in a Rally golf event at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club, and went to an awesome auction the night before, where over $25,000 was raised.
My experience with breast cancer has made me much more compassionate to others battling the same disease. I have enjoyed helping them become aware of the need to fight until victory is achieved.
Fighting breast cancer is a cause I have championed for years, and I will continue to do so.
Thank you Susan G. Komen!”