Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth Race for the Cure

It has been three years since my oldest sister Joy found out she had breast cancer.

In that time she has underwent chemotherapy and three surgeries.

She even had one heart surgery this past November that had nothing to do with her cancer because by then she was cancer-free.

She looks at life a lot differently now and gets to enjoy her first-born granddaughter who joined the family last May.

This year's 19th Annual Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth (Texas) Race for the Cure, which took place April 9 had raised $491,995.33 as of April 11th.

The event, which was held at Ridgmar Mall, was presented by local sponsor Kroger and had a goal of $500,000.

11,996 people participated in the fundraiser which includes 521 teams with the top team being Team AECOM. They raised $60,035.25. (http://greaterfortworth.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/FTW_GreaterFortWorthAffiliate?fr_id=2124&pg=entry).

In related breast cancer news, the Komen Main Affiliate has issued a plea for citizens to sign an online petition to save the lives of women due to cuts that have been proposed for that state's breast cancer screening program.

This year in Maine, 1,160 women will be diagnosed with the disease and approximately 170 will die of it, according to the agency.

"The Maine Breast & Cervical Health Program provides mammograms to women in Maine who fall into a gap in our state's health care system," states Jeff Bennet, Public Policy Chair, Komen Main Affiliate in a letter. "The proposed cut will impact the program's outreach budget, which will only increase the likelihood that more women will not receive recommended screenings on time."

To send a letter to your members of the state legislature, see https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=903.

In unrelated cancer news, the annual Pancreatic Cancer Symposium takes place in Seattle, WA May 20th at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. (Source pancan.org).

To register, look up http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/educational_events/symposiums/seattle2011/.

2011 research grant recipients were announced recently, with nearly three million being awarded to ten scientists nationwide. To date the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has funded 66 grants at biomedical research institutes throughout the U.S., with a total investment surpassing ten million, according to research.

"Since the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was formed in 1999, we have led the way in transforming the pancreatic cancer community by heightening awareness of the disease, dramatically increasing research efforts and developing support services for all of those affected by it," said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in a mass email. "Whether someone has just a few moments to contribute or is interested in a more extensive commitment, many options are available to volunteer to fight pancreatic cancer locally and nationally."