Ten years ago my family's world changed forever when my sister Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33.  We were shocked at how this could happen to someone so young.  We rallied as a family and charged forward even though we were like dear in headlights.  Although it was so close to me I never really thought I was at risk.  Then our world was shaken again to it's core in October 2007 when I was diagnosed at age 37 and my mom was diagnosed 3 weeks later.  Our family and friends carried us through the last year and a half and it was and still is a tremendous journey.  I am now very involved with Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Diego Affiliate.  I volunteered within a week after finishing chemo last year and I am now the Sponsor Chair for the 2009 Race for the Cure in San Diego.

Someone dies from breast cancer every 75 seconds and we need to change that.  I am doing this not really for me but for my kids and especially Casey.  I hope that she never has to face this disease and what it brings with it.

I am asking you to join me for the 2009 Race for the Cure in San Diego.  Whether you join the team and walk, sleep in for the cure or just donate you are making a difference for all of those women and men that have fought and will fight breast cancer.

By joining me and taking the 125 challenge you can help save a life.  The 125 challenge means you agree to raise at least $125 which is the average cost of a mammogram.  Together we can make a difference.

Love to you all,

Sharon

You may donate online with your credit card by clicking the ?Donate? button.  Your support helps us get another step closer to a world without breast cancer.

Your breast health?
The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older.  Breast cancer knows no boundary, be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location.  One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That?s one in eight within your company, school and organization!

The key to survival is early detection.  Three simple steps for early detection are regular mammograms, clinical exams and breast self-exams.  And, remember, breast cancer affects more than just the patient; friends and family need support too.

What does Komen do?
For more than 25 years, Komen for the Cure has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer ? transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease, and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.
Over the next 25 years, an estimated 25 million women around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer if we don?t find a cure.  Komen will not stop until we discover and deliver the cures. That?s our promise.

We Will Find the Cure!