Eye of the survivor

Jeff Benson

Most participants in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Orange County Race for the Cure have either beaten breast cancer or

know someone who has. On Sunday, they proved they could outrun it,

too.

More than 22,000 survivors and supporters ran, jogged and walked

around Fashion Island in Newport Beach Sunday. Those who didn’t leg

out the five-kilometer walks, one-mile fun walks and timed runs took

advantage of sponsors’ free samples, information and souvenir booths.

Anaheim Hills’ Cherlyn Evers, 49, was one of thousands of breast

cancer survivors wearing commemorative “Race for the Cure” T-shirts

and red racing numbers.

“I’m here in celebration of myself and all those who survived,”

she said. “Without family and friends, it would be a much tougher

road. It’s good to see so much support out here, and you learn who

your true friends really are.”

Komen Orange County co-chair Marica Pendjer said that for the

first time, the foundation recognized “co-survivors,” those who

haven’t had breast cancer but have helped loved ones through their

treatment. Both co-survivors, with round stickers on their chests,

and male breast cancer survivors, wearing gray shirts, received

special recognition Sunday.

“I think it’s great that so many people chose to come, and that

they care enough to choose to come,” Pendjer said.

The winner of the women’s 5K was 34-year-old Cassandra Henkiel of

Austin, Texas, who edged out 23-year-old Brooke Thomas by less than a

second. Henkiel, who received $1,200 and a first-place plaque, said

she competes in about 15 races a year but hadn’t won any until

Sunday.

“I kind of came into this race without expectations,” she said.

“It’s a pleasant surprise to win your first race of the season. I

know a lot of people who have had breast cancer, and I’ve been close

to many who’ve been affected by cancer in general. So I’m feeling

good.”

Others were just as concerned about their finish times. Corona del

Mar’s Jean Coon, 81, placed second in the women’s 5K over-80

division, at 44 minutes, 35 seconds. Coon had also placed first in

the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K’s senior division in June and won the

Surf City 5K senior division in July.

“I feel great,” she said. “It’s so exciting, and I try to do this

race every year. I just can’t believe I’m in that age group, though.”

About 1.4 million participants compete in more than 100 Susan G.

Komen Breast Cancer Foundation races each year. The foundation

donates 75% of the event’s annual proceeds to local breast cancer

education, screening and treatment programs. Much of the remainder

goes to cancer research.

* JEFF BENSON is the news assistant and may be reached at (949)

574-4298 or by e-mail at [email protected].