Did you know that breast cancer will strike 1 out 7 women? Look how many women you know at work? At church? In your neighborhood? And men can also get breast cancer!

Well I lost a very dear friend who was an amazing teacher, dancer, practical joker and great gal. The first year a bunch of us got together and did the Susan Komen Orange County Race for the Cure, she was there but did not walk or run. The next year, she did the 1 mile with the promise that the following year, she would do the 5k with us.

She didn’t make it. Her cancer was progressing so rapidly that she decided to forgo her cancer treatments and just travel.

It is because of her that I got involved and became the Team Captain for Fire Walkers. Sometimes when I am running and get really tired, I can hear Karen’s voice saying “Stop being such a slacker. Our dance group used to dance for 8 hrs and then party for 10. You can do this!” So at that time, I pick up my pace.

This will be my last year as team captain since I am retiring from the Fire Authority next March. To raise money for our team, we hold an annual bake sale and raffle.

I picked up our team t-shirts and bib numbers and one of the survivors asked me if I minded if she turned in the quilt I made that was presented to her. No problem. For one thing, I was taught that once a gift was given, it was up to the recipient to do whatever they wanted. So now the quilt is being raffled off.

The pink and chocolate colors had an impact when I saw them. The background fabric has a nice silver sheen to it. And Pink is the color for Breast Cancer.

What I am trying to say is Cancer can be beaten by early detection, monthly breast exams, diet, prayer, exercise and the support from your “sisters”. Join a local walk to help fund to find the cure. Or come join us at Fashion Island, Sept 22 and meet over 25,000 of your new closest friends.

So when you see someone fighting breast cancer, look at them and think “There goes a healthy, strong person who will beat cancer.”

Thanks for reading.