Camaraderie defines Race for the Cure

Deepa Bharath

Martha Blake is a three-time cancer survivor.

The 64-year-old Costa Mesa realtor was first diagnosed with breast

cancer 20 years ago. After three months of chemotherapy, the cancer

went into remission. In 1997, the cancer struck again, this time in

her lung and spleen. She underwent chemotherapy for a year and went

in to remission again, but not before she lost permanent use of her

right hand.

Blake went through radiation for the third time earlier this year,

when the cancer showed up in her other breast.

The harsh treatments may have eroded her physical strength, but

they haven’t touched her spirit.

“I’m not one to sit down and feel sorry for myself,” said Blake,

who will be at the 13th annual Komen Orange County Race for the Cure

at Fashion Island on Sunday.

“I just believe I have to get off my butt and go,” she said.

Emotions are expected to run high, as always, at the event, which

is a fundraiser and prime event for the Orange County chapter of the

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The event, which begins at 7:30 a.m., will feature five races -- a

Women’s 5K Timed Run, Women’s 5K Walk, One-Mile Fun Walk, Coed 5K

Timed Run and Coed 5K Walk.

There will also be a Breast Cancer Survivors Tribute at 8:55 a.m.,

a special event for those who have survived the disease, and their

families, event co-chair Kathy Pearson said.

“It’s emotional because it’s also the time for many to memorialize

and think about those who have been lost to this disease,” she said.

The Orange County race, now in its 13th year, has grown

tremendously over the years, Pearson said. Last year, there were more

than 23,000 participants, Pearson said.

“This year we expect about 25,000 participants,” she said.

The ceremony for survivors will have between 1,200 and 1,400

participants this year, Pearson said.

“Each survivor will be given a pink rose and recognized by friends

and family,” she said.

In addition to being their biggest fundraiser, Race for the Cure

achieves two other purposes, Pearson said.

“First of all, we’re raising awareness about breast cancer,” she

said. “And we are allowing people to remember friends and family.”

About 75% of the money raised from the event goes to local breast

cancer outreach, education, screening and treatment programs, Pearson

said. The remaining money goes to the national foundation, which sets

it aside for breast cancer research grants, she said.

But more than anything else, breast cancer survivors and other

members of the public can feel the warmth and camaraderie at the

event, Blake said.

“It’s an incredible thing to see so many people in one place, not

arguing or fighting,” she said. “There’s just an enormous amount of

love that’s poured out.”

* DEEPA BHARATH is the enterprise and general assignment reporter.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at

[email protected].