Susan G. Komen for the Cure
NEWS



Local Praise for the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®
Letter to the Editor
Posted November 4, 2009
Moultrie News

As I was walking with my husband to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Oct. 17, I commented that this would be the first time out of nine years as a breast cancer survivor that I decided not to wear the pink "survivor" hat, and therefore, people wouldn't realize I was a survivor. I was wearing the pink "survivor" T-shirt, but it was cool, so I wore a black vest over it. Just as we arrived at the venue, the Family Circle Tennis Center, two young ladies approached me and asked if I was a survivor. They proceeded to give me nine pink beaded necklaces, each representing a year of survivorship. What a great idea. That was the beginning of the best Race for the Cure I have ever attended.

I want to thank all of the participants, sponsors and vendors who made this such a memorable event. The staff at Family Circle Tennis Center did a fantastic job with the arrangement of the sponsor / vendor tents, placing them on cement near the stadium. It was easy to walk around and get a sample of the message or services offered by the many vendors. The survivor tent was awesome, with food and camaraderie, each of us asking "How many beads?"

During the survivor celebration we all had an opportunity to look out to the crowd at our loved ones who have shared this journey with us. We remembered those who fought the fight but lost. We talked to each other about our experiences. We shared advice, gave references, grieved what we've lost (to someone who really understands), all while celebrating another chance at life.

I ran the 5K, and was impressed with the overall organization of the race. The volunteers were spectacular, the cheering was appreciated, and once again, camaraderie on the course. Afterwards, I was surprised to find that I was the 3rd place survivor, so I was given the most beautiful lei I have ever seen (and I've been to Hawaii).

I would like to urge everyone to attend the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure event next year. It was wonderful not just for survivors, but for everyone. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. All the proceeds from the Race for the Cure go back to our community in the form of grants.

Patty from the Komen Lowcountry affiliate called me yesterday to tell me that I had won a door prize at the survivor's tent, but I wasn't there to claim it. There's more? I can't believe it. Patty is sending it to me in the mail. Can't wait to see what I've won.

Teresa Privett
Mount Pleasant, SC