By Kay Karmell
On Mother’s Day, the tri-state area will once again take to the streets for the 26th annual “Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure,” the world’s largest fundraising event for breast cancer. This annual event includes 5k runs and fitness walks to raise money raise awareness of the disease, to celebrate those who have survived and to memorialize those who have not. But for many women recently diagnosed with breast cancer or in treatment, the race for the cure is more than a run; it’s a fight, a fight for their lives.
As women, we know that annual mammograms and regular self-breast exams lead to early detection. We also know that a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk for breast cancer and improve survival. And we know that our family medical history plays a significant role in our health. This is what we know. But here is what you may not know. Too many women in this country still don’t have access to quality mammograms or quality treatment because they simply can’t afford it. While there are programs available to address this problem, they are extremely underfunded. One out of five women have access to programs that provide mammograms and treatment as a basic part of their medical care. But as for the other four women, they get to race for the cure and they get the awareness of the disease, but they can’t get the care.
Marnita Kidd
Marnita Kidd, a single mother, artist and breast cancer survivor says, “I was very fortunate to have health insurance, a loving family and support from organizations such as Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation and Living Beyond Breast Cancer.” During the interview, Kidd talked about having a family history of breast cancer and her emotional state when she received her own diagnosis.“I was already in Stage 3, my daughter was preparing to leave for college and at the same time, receiving the news that I had breast cancer sent me to a dark and lonely place. In that moment everything changed, for everyone. I struggled with losing my hair, feeling disconnected like I didn’t belong in the world. But I knew I wasn’t alone. I had to fight for my children, but more importantly, I had to fight for me.” After a double mastectomy, lots of chemo, radiation and being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Kidd retired from Temple University in 2008 and her cancer is now in remission for the third time. “While fighting and living through it all, I am reminded everyday of what’s important and things that mattered before, just don’t matter as much now, she says. Today, Kidd is working with young children and seniors and says, “I am doing what I love.” When asked, what advice would you give to someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer today or can’t afford a mammogram or treatment? “She says, prayer and faith works.”
Breast cancer survivors like Marnita Kidd reminds us that we all should race for the cure. Not by just running, but by getting educated, getting involved, getting exams and taking action. So this Sunday let’s run for those who have been denied the means to survive. Let’s run to make mammograms and treatment available to all women. Let’s salute those who participate in the race for the cure, say bravo to the organizations who support those touched by this awful disease and give a standing ovation to the survivors who had to endure living with breast cancer, because a race for the cure really is more than just a run.
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