Columbus Monthly 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 20,000 walkers and runners to the Downtown 5K event in an average, non-pandemic 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—more than $1 million in 2020 alone—go back to Komen Columbus and the Susan G. Komen program. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Komen’s first-ever virtual Race for the Cure, which returns on May 15, 2021, to ensure the safety of all participants.

Visit komencolumbus.org for more information and to register for this year’s virtual event, and read on to meet four individuals who are involved with the Columbus race and learn why they dedicate their time, talent and treasure.

Stories as told to Emma Frankart Henterly Photos by Tim Johnson

photo: thinkstock

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MAY 2021 Columbus Monthly

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special advertising section VITALS: Karen was diagnosed with an aggressive Stage III breast cancer in February 2020; despite chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation, the cancer advanced to Stage IV and metastasized to her brain in late 2020. A January surgery removed her brain tumor, and she continues to take oral chemotherapy.

WHY KAREN RACES: I never had a family history of breast cancer, but I always scheduled my mammogram to be six months after my annual OB/ GYN visit; that way, I was getting a breast check every six months. My exam in July 2019 was fine, but in January 2020, I noticed a lump. I decided to wait until my scheduled mammogram in February. That was on a Tuesday; by that Friday, we knew I had triple-negative breast cancer, which is the most aggressive form.

I’ve had coworkers and friends with cancer, and I’ve always supported them by donating to Komen.

The organization has really helped me connect with a community and to help others who have received diagnoses. I have always prided myself on being a cheerleader, an encourager. So if I can help somebody, I want to.

Cancer presents so many challenges, so many hurdles. But luckily, we’re pretty good jumpers.

KAREN and RICH GANDARILLAS BIOS: Both have careers with Nationwide Insurance; Rich is retired and stays active with hobbies and being available as a caregiver for Karen. They have been married 10 years; both have children and grandchildren from previous relationships.

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WHY RICH RACES: I had contributed to Komen in the past, but my participation became more intentional when Karen started her breast cancer journey. We’ve set a goal to raise $2,500 for this year’s virtual race.

No one volunteers for these kinds of life changes. We know now that our journey will continue for the rest of Karen’s life. We will count on modern medicine to keep our journey free of cancer while we enjoy all the plans we have and the treasures life brings.

Karen did not ask to be a cancer patient. I did not volunteer to be a caregiver. However, we have been accepted into this unique family. Now we have a greater sensitivity when listening to others’ cancer journeys, and we have a greater responsibility to educate others. We will give. And we will encourage others to give.

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special advertising section VITALS: Darlene is a 20-year survivor; she elected to have her breast removed after a lumpectomy and chemotherapy for Stage II breast cancer. She and Kelli met at church, where Darlene is vocal about her journey. Their team has raised nearly $100,000 in the last 10 years alone.

WHY DARLENE RACES: My aunt had breast cancer and growing up I saw the ugly side of it. I was always fearful because I had cysts. In my 40s, I felt a lump; the mammogram didn’t pick it up, and the doctor told me not to worry. I didn’t like that, so I had them remove the lump and it turned out to be cancer. If I hadn’t been persistent, I would be dead.

Nobody in the African American community talks about breast cancer. But when I was diagnosed, I knew I needed people praying for me. My pastor called me down before my second surgery and asked if there were any breast cancer survivors in the church. Women came out from everywhere—I was so irritated, because here I was dealing with this by myself. Right then I said, this’ll never happen to another woman. Now, women call me all the time, people I don’t even know, and I’ll listen and support them.

Komen Columbus helps so much, too; it’s almost impossible to go through breast cancer without receiving some kind of support from Komen. Race for the Cure is especially inspiring. It shows that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

It’s so important to talk about breast cancer. People think, “If I don’t know about it, it’ll be alright.”

No. If you don’t know, you’ll die.

DARLENE MATTHEWS and KELLI MOORE-BLACKWELL BIOS: Darlene (seated) of Berwick is a hair stylist, owns the Beauty All Over salon and is a cosmetologist at a funeral home; she has one adult daughter. Kelli of Columbus is a publications editor for the Ohio Emergency Management Agency; she has two adult daughters and is about to become a first-time grandmother.

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WHY KELLI RACES: Darlene brought it to our attention. This is real; this impacts us. That’s one thing I love about her; she’ll tell you like it is, and she’ll tell you what you need to do so that you don’t go through what she went through. I wanted to do my part to help her as much as I could. I’m tired of cancer winning. It’s an honor and it’s humbling to be part of Race for the Cure and to know that the dollars you raise are helping to save lives.

The future for breast cancer treatment is very promising.

Targeted therapies allow us to limit toxicity and improve efficacy. Analyzing the genetics of each patient’s tumor allows us to truly personalize each plan of care.”

Jeanna L. Knoble, MD • Zangmeister Cancer Center

Zangmeister Cancer Center: The Choice for Compassionate, Comprehensive, Cutting-Edge Care

The rapid release of new therapies for breast cancer means more patients living longer with better quality of life. Oral drugs are largely replacing IV chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy limit the toxicity of treatment for many patients.

At Zangmeister Cancer Center, we collaborate with our colleagues in radiation therapy, breast surgery, genetics, pathology, clinical research and plastic surgery to ensure each patient has a comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan of care. Support from our pharmacists, social workers, nurse navigators, dietitians and financial counselors minimize the impact of cancer on daily life.

We deliver the most advanced and innovative treatments focused on each patient for the best possible experience — because each patient’s cancer journey is unique.

A D I V I S I O N O F A M E R I C A N O N C O L O G Y P A R T N E R S , P. A .

(614) 383-6000 ZangCenter.com