National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today is the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, Susan G. Komen for the Cure celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Komen Race for the Cure, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, with well over 1 million participants since 2005. Numerous Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events are going on this weekend in cities across the country.

With the closest location a few hours away from me, it has been two years since my last run. My first run was a week after the death of my grandmother. Although the doctors said she was a breast cancer survivor, my family and I found out that the bone cancer in her ribs and spine were caused by the unknown return of her breast cancer. At that run in October 2006, I felt a swarm of emotions watching other men and women coming together for such a strong cause. The survivors running past me in their pink shirts, were inspiration to run faster.

That year was one of the first years Ford had their Warriors in Pink campaign and I remember taking home so much of the pink warrior gear and hanging it up all over my room. Each time I look at my logo magnet, I smile and think of my grandmother and my first run for her. This month I pride myself in wearing the pink ribbon whenever possible.

Getting the word out to women at all ages is really important. I encourage anyone participating in a race this month to post your pictures here, along with your experience. This month is crucial to spreading the message, so get out there and share your story!