PEORIA, Ill. — Hundreds of cancer survivors are set to take part in Saturday’s Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink” Walk in Peoria.
One of them is Peoria resident Leah Grebner. She’s been a breast cancer survivor for five years, and has been involved in fundraising for the Komen Memorial Affiliate, its support groups and walks ever since.
Grebner says she was lucky…her cancer was caught in the early stages. She says getting a mammogram can help save your life.
“The longer you wait, the later your diagnosis will be in the process, and the more difficult it will be to treat,” Grebner says.
Being involved with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and walking in the “More Than Pink” Walk is something Peoria resident Helene Peterson has done before, but this year, it means more.
“I served on the Komen board for many years, and have served in many different capacities, but never as a breast cancer survivor. So, this year is a new experience and a very special year for me,” Peterson says.
Peterson was diagnosed with breast cancer just six months ago. So, she says she’s a “newbie”.
Peterson says thanks to the BRCA gene testing, she knows she doesn’t have it, and won’t pass it on to her three granddaughters.
“Dr. Mary Clark-King, with Komen dollars, and the Department of Defense, discovered the BRCA gene. And, over my past 25 years with the Komen Foundation, there have been so many advances, so I’ve fought it (cancer) from a different vantage point than some other people would,” Peterson says.
Komen Memorial Affiliate Executive Director Gayle Young says you can register to walk in Saturday’s “More Than Pink” event right up to the start at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday’s festivities begin with a Survivor’s Parade at 8 a.m.
To learn more about Saturday’s “More Than Pink” Walk, click HERE.
