Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, Heidi May underwent six surgeries, including a mastectomy, through the course of her treatment.
“During that year, I decided I really wanted to get involved and give back,” she says, recalling her first foray to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure, a 60-mile walk through Seattle.
“And then I decided I wanted my efforts to go to my local community and I found out about Puget Sound Komen’s Race for The Cure,” May says.
Fundraising started small that first year, but buoyed by the support of family, friends and community, May has since become the No. 1 survivor fundraiser for the organization’s largest fundraiser.
Boob-A-Palooza is born
The cornerstone of May’s efforts is Boob-A-Palooza, her major annual fundraiser coming up May 20. This year’s festivities include a live band and silent auction with some amazing prizes, including Seattle Seahawks tickets, massages and more.
“I’ve got the best, most giving friends and people want to help, you just have to ask,” she says. That generosity speaks to cancer’s far-reaching impact. “This isn’t just about me; it’s something my family and friends went through, too,” she reflects.
After raising more than $8,000 last year, May is aiming even higher, aiming for $10,000 this year, all of which goes to the 25th annual Race for the Cure. Coming up June 3 at Seattle Center, the walk and run raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, with 100 per cent of net proceeds supporting cancer programs and research:
• 75 per cent of the net income stays here to help fund local programs offering breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment.
• The remaining 25 per cent supports the Susan G. Komen Research and Training Grants program.
Beyond vital funds, that sea of pink walking local streets also increases awareness, celebrates survivors and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. “Breast cancer gave me so much more than cancer; it gave be a new family in the Pink Sisterhood,” May notes.
How you can get involved:
Register online to participate in the event, opening at 8 a.m. June 3 with the More Than Pink March (formerly the Survivor Parade), before the 5K Walk/3.1-Mile Walk at 8:30 a.m.
Those unable to walk, can donate online to an individual or group. Prospective volunteers are also welcome to learn more!
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Susan G. Komen: In 1980, Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan, that she would do everything possible to end breast cancer. In 1982, that promise became the Susan G. Komen organization and what started with $200 and a shoebox full of potential donor names has become the world’s largest nonprofit funding source for the fight against breast cancer, with more than $2.9 billion raised for groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 60 countries.
