Survivor Activities

One of the most important components of a Komen Cure® is the Breast Cancer Recognition Program. This ceremony honors survivors during the pre and post ceremonies of the Race.

History of the Program

In 1990, Ellen Barnett, a survivor and member of the Komen Foundation's board of directors, founded the Advocacy Committee for Breast Cancer Survivors. Thepurpose of the committee was to involve breast cancer survivors in the Komen Cure®.

Ellen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, at the age of 37. In her work as a clinical social worker, Ellen had long been involved with women's issues and had begun to focus her practice on women with breast cancer. When the first Komen Race in Washington D.C. was announced in 1990, Ellen approached the Race committee and asked what was planned to recognize survivors. With a little encouragement and a lot of energy, Ellen worked to secure and distribute survivor buttons with the message, ìI'm a Survivor...Days into Years!î at the first National Race.

In 1991, a special survivor program was developed to focus on individuals' personal struggles with breast cancer -- to affirm the courage of each -- and their unity with each other. While making plans for the survivor recognition program at the second Komen National Race for the Cure®, Ellen was diagnosed with an unexpected metastases of her original breast cancer. Following the diagnosis, Ellen redoubled her efforts to ensure the recognition of survivors and to raise public awareness about the effects of breast cancer on the individuals diagnosed -- and their families -- and the need for research and education. In preparation for the 1991 Race, Ellen raised the funds necessary to provide bright pink caps and buttons to all breast cancer survivors who planned to participate. We no longer utilize the button, however the pink shirt and cap have come to symbolize a celebration of life and survivorship and are made available at all Komen Races.

Since 1991, the Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program has been supported by the Komen Foundation and has become an important focal point at each event. In 1992, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), through its philanthropic Foundation, made an extensive commitment of volunteer support, time and funds to promote the survivor program at all Races. RE/MAX and ZTA are the National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program Co-Sponsors. Their commitment and support will ensure that the program continues to be a featured element of each future Komen Race.

Ellen lost her battle against breast cancer on July 31, 1993. She left behind a legacy of life and celebrations to those who are currently battling breast cancer and those who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future - and a commitment to raise funds necessary to find a cure for the disease.

Goals of the Survivor Recognition Program

The participation of many individuals living with breast cancer - healthy and determined -- is a very inspirational and motivational component of Race day activities. The goals of the Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program are to:

• Celebrate survivorship at each Komen Race for the Cure® and to offer an experience of encouragement and solidarity to all who live with breast cancer.
• Honor those who have lost their battle against the disease.
• Educate the public, increase awareness of the need to raise funds for research to prevent breast cancer and to extend the survival time of those living with the disease.
  

Our Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors on Race Day

All survivors are invited to come and celebrate the day by enjoying a continental breakfast at the Survivor Tent, which will be marked with pink balloons. Survivors who have not yet picked up their special Race packets can do so at the tent that morning. Survivor packets include a complimentary pink cap and a pink t-shirt provided by Zeta Tau Alpha and RE/MAX Real Estate, sponsors of the Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program.

We encourage all survivors to take part in the survivor recognition activities before the Race. Survivors should meet at the Survivor tent by 7:30 a.m. to be escorted to the stage for a special ceremony and the survivor photo, which will be taken at 7:45 a.m. The photo will be available at the survivor tent during the awards presentation after the Race.

Back Signs

We would like to invite all Race participants to recognize those special people who have been touched by breast cancer. "In Memory of" and "In Celebration of" back signs will be available at pre-registration and on Race day at the Survivor tent and the Registration tent.

Co-Survivor Program

Co-survivors - family, friends, doctors, or colleagues - can be sources of support and inspiration. A new pink and white ribbon was designed to represent the special relationship between people who have fought breast cancer and those who supported them throughout diagnosis and treatment. Small cards with the pink and white embroidered ribbon sticker will be available a tthe pre-registration and at the Survivor Tent on Race Day for survivors to give to his or her co-survivor. Stickers will also be available for survivors to use in recognition of their co-survivor by writing in the person's name and wearing it proudly on Race Day.

Celebration Dinner

In celebration of life, a special dinner honoring breast cancer survivors will be held on Friday, September 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at Noto's Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street. Family friends and all Race participants are encouraged to attend. Dinner reservations are required as space is limited.

A brief program will include a special presentation and survivors attending will receive a special gift as well as an opportunity to win door prizes. Don't miss this wonderful evening to celebrate how far we have come in the battle against breast cancer!

Reservations can be made on your Race Application or by sending in the number attending along with a check to our Komen Office (see contact us). Your name will then be included on the RSVP list at the door. Dinner price is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for breast cancer survivors.

Survivor Stories

Denise Blunk
Lori Fedewa
Suzy Reiter
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