2010 Race Shirt Unveiled

I can’t tell you how many run, walk and triathlon shirts I’ve accumulated over the years. They vary in style, in colors and in messages. I have to admit, the ones I treasure the most are the Komen Race for the Cure t-shirts. I have quite a collection of them – and I can remember something special about each one of the Race for the Cure shirts I've kept.

I’m almost certain I can dig out my first one from the year I volunteered on the marketing committee. I know for sure I have my first Team Jaguars t-shirt – and the Team Jaguars shirts that followed. I have my Team WTPI shirt from when my friend, Tonia, worked there and we joined the station’s team. And of course, I have my Race t-shirt from last year that I wore as I walked next to my cancer butt-kickin, one-year survivor friend, Sheri Miller. They’re all special to me, which is why I continue to keep them and wear them proudly year after year.

That’s why I’m so excited about the 2010 Race for the Cure t-shirts. Susan G. Komen for the Cure decided to redesign the participant t-shirts this year and opened it up for a vote. The public got to vote on their favorite design. For a $5 donation, voters could choose from one of three designs. $15,000 was raised and will be split among the affiliates. I must admit, all three were cool, but the one with the highest votes (including receiving a few votes and donations from me) is my favorite.

So, here is your sneak peek at what the 2010 Race t-shirt will look like. I look forward to seeing 40,000+ participants wearing these cool new shirts at the Indianapolis Race for the Cure on April 17 (or at the grocery store, the gym, around the neighborhood, etc.).

Introducing the 2010 Honorary Survivor

“Breast cancer didn’t kill me; it gave me life,” said Donna Minnick.

WOW! That’s an amazing statement – and a statement that continues to stick with me as I think about who we selected as the 2010 Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure Honorary Survivor. So far, as Race Chair, my greatest pleasure was making the call to Donna Minnick to let her know we selected her as this year’s Honorary Survivor.

Donna is a 40-year breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed when she was 29, at a time when the word “cancer” was difficult to even talk about – let alone diagnose, treat and survive. As a wife and mother of two young children she suddenly was confronted with life and death issues raised by her cancer. But, as Donna explained in her application: “because of all of the experiences, feelings, emotions, unanswered questions and challenges I faced I began to ‘live’ rather than ‘exist’. I began to cherish people, experiences, challenges and everyday living.”

The selection committee has a difficult task each year of choosing the individual to serve as the honorary survivor – the “face of the race”. This year was no different. The 13 applicants each shared an amazing story of survival and hope. Each woman was deserving of this position. However, after meeting Donna, we knew we had an extraordinary woman in our presence. As a 40-year survivor, Donna is the longest survivor chosen to serve this role. A woman who points to a 15” scar that runs from her armpit to her waist, Donna represents how far we’ve come in terms of treatment. A woman who has no major or minor pectoral muscles and limited physical strength, yet has climbed mountains, rappels, hikes and camps, she represents hope.

It truly is amazing to know how far we have come in terms of research and care for women and men fighting the fight against breast cancer – a fight that Donna won so many years ago. Donna's story is much like Nancy Brinker's – the power of one individual who is making an incredible difference in the world of breast cancer. Her resume is extensive and quite impressive. After her diagnosis, she spent her personal and professional life devoted to serving the needs of others in health care. She volunteers her time, serves as an inspirational public speaker and after retirement in 1999, spent several years in out West “experiencing life”.

As one of the selection committee members said, “Donna is the story of life. She said her life began with cancer and she has and is continuing to live life to the absolute fullest!”

It is my greatest pleasure to introduce Donna Minnick to everyone as the 2010 Honorary Survivor. I can’t wait for you to meet her at one of the Komen Indianapolis events, see her interviewed by our friends in the media or meet her on April 17 at the Race.

A Note from the 2010 Race Chair

When I was selected to chair the 2010 Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure I had no idea what I was getting myself into - it didn't matter, I was committed to doing it. I have been around the Race for over a decade. I served on the marketing committee years ago, then chaired it. I was the sponsor liaison and team captain when I was at IUPUI (Team Jaguars). I've walked alongside friends for a number of years who have had a family member affected by the disease. There have been a lot of ways I've been able to support and get involved with the Race for the Cure.

It wasn't until my best friend from college fought (and won) the fight last year that I decided to step up and get more involved. It was my way to honor and celebrate her. Of course, if you ask my husband, he would've said making a donation in her honor would've been easier. He might be right, but it might not be as rewarding. As I walked alongside Sheri last year, it was a completely different experience. We laughed, we cried and we walked proudly (sometimes in silence) across the finish line together. I knew right away that serving as the Chairwoman was going to be an incredible opportunity and a once in lifetime experience.

So, here I am... a few months into my "chairwomanship" and I'm having a great time - and learning a whole lot about the Race that I never would've known. I'm meeting a lot of wonderful people - and have already been impacted by some of the wonderful survivors, volunteers and committee members who I've had the pleasure of meeting.

But, why should I have all the fun ? I mean, wouldn't it be great to hear what the Race Executive Committee has in the works for the 2010 Race? Don't you want to know some of the behind the scenes things that go into planning for 40,000+ participants (like knowing 192 portolets have already been ordered)? Don't you want to help Pink Go Green (our new "green" initiative)? Don't you want to hear some of the incredible stories from survivors and co-survivors? Don't you want to hear from some of our sponsors and teams about why they are committed to the Race?

I feel like there's so much to share between now and April 17. This blog is just one way we hope to have an on-going conversation with Race for the Cure participants, sponsors, friends and fans. We hope to share information about the Race - and at the same time, hear from you. What do you want to know?

We plan on posting weekly, so follow us throughout the planning stages.