Special Section: Pink Moments

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PINK MOMENTS

The capital city is home to the largest Race for the Cure® in the country, drawing more than 21,000 walkers and runners to the Downtown 5K event last year.

In addition to raising awareness about researching, treating and curing breast cancer, it also raises funds: 100 percent of the race’s net proceeds—$1.7 million in 2018 alone—go back to Komen Columbus and the national Susan G. Komen program. Read on to meet three individuals who are involved with the Columbus race and learn why they dedicate their time.

STORIES AS TOLD TO EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY PHOTOS BY ROB HARDIN

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

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MAY 2019 COLUMBUS MONTHLY

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DENISE HAYES RESIDENCE: Dublin BIO: Retired elementary school teacher, stayat-home mom of two, married 24 years VITALS: Diagnosed with Stage I/II breast cancer in July 2017; cancer-free since late 2017 WHY I RACE: When I was about 19, my friend Deidre and I used to walk in the Race for the Cure every year, because it was a worthy cause and we wanted to help out. Now, it has so much more meaning.

I was diagnosed on my son’s 18th birthday after a routine mammogram. The doctor found two tumors that put me somewhere between Stage I and Stage II. I started chemotherapy on Aug. 22. They were very aggressive about it, which was wonderful; I was cancer-free after three treatments and ended chemo on Dec. 4.

In January 2018, I had a lumpectomy, and I did radiation in March, just to be safe. Those were easy compared to the chemo; after chemotherapy, I think I can do just about anything. I’m ready to live my best life now.

I’ve been on the board of Komen Columbus for this past program year, and I am learning so much about breast cancer. Did you know that the breast cancer death rate of African American woman is 40 percent higher than for white women? That’s one of our goals: figure out why there is this disparity.

As a survivor and Komen board member, I want to educate the community. I tell women why they can’t put off their mammograms. My tumors were too small to feel in a self-exam—even the doctor couldn’t find them just by touch—but they were very aggressive. If it weren’t for that routine mammogram, I might not be here today.

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WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULDN’T FIGHT CANCER ALON E

We’re going above and beyond for you and your support system. OhioHealth, in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center, is dedicated to providing you more – more treatment options, personalized treatment plans created just for you and access to select clinical trials from MD Anderson, one of the nation’s top-ranked cancer hospitals.

Make a personal connection at CancerCall at 1 (800) 752.9119 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit OhioHealth.com/CancerCare. © OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY18-152685. 04/18.

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MARY LOVE & KIMBERLY HAYES RESIDENCES: Mary lives in Gahanna; her daughter Kimberly lives in Blacklick BIOS: Mary is the chief VP and chief financial officer of the Columbus Urban League and a mother, stepmother and grandmother; Kimberly is director of finance and operations for I Know I Can, a makeup artist and a mother VITALS: Mary was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in October 2013 and has been cancer-free since October 2018; Kimberly is her supporter and co-survivor WHY WE RACE: Mary: I received my diagnosis of Stage II breast cancer in October 2013, after I’d experienced some breast tenderness and gotten a routine mammogram. It was unexpected—I was the first in our family to have breast cancer—but not frightening. My Christian faith gave me the peace and confidence to travel the journey.

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We did chemotherapy first, and I reacted very well to it. The next treatment was a full, single mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by a second bout of chemo. Having the Komen Race for the Cure, which earns the money to continually fight breast cancer is great, and I attend and give to the race. I think the awareness it brings is outstanding.

Kimberly: Before my mom was diagnosed, I had participated in Race for the Cure a few times. After her diagnosis, my friends and

our family started a team—Love Conquers—in honor of her. When we started the team, she was still going through chemo. I didn’t think that I would get emotional, but it was very emotional to see my friends and coworkers rally around us and support us.

I started getting annual mammograms after her diagnosis, when I was 35. It is a little painful, but for me, the little bit of pain I experience is worth it if it means they’re able to catch any problems early.

There is no routine mammogram.

When it comes to mammograms, routine just isn’t enough. That’s because routine applies only to what’s predictable, straightforward and logical. And breast cancer simply isn’t. At The James, our radiologists read only mammograms, all day, every day. They’re trained to detect the nuances that people who don’t read mammograms all day might miss. It’s that level of expertise that results in prevention, detection and peace of mind that are far beyond routine.

Don’t get a routine mammogram. Get a James mammogram.

To schedule yours, call 800-240-4477 or visit cancer.osu.edu/mammo.