Update from the Austin Komen Race for the Cure

I had to share this as it really tore my heart in half.

Dear Friend,

The holiday season brings me joy and appreciation for family, tradition, laughter, love and blessings. I have a unique understanding of the word blessing. As many of you know, I have been fighting Stage IV breast cancer for four years now. It has been a challenging month since we finished the Komen Austin Race for the Cure on November 1st. I began to experience debilitating pain in my back and scans would later confirm that my cancer has spread. We immediately moved to a new drug with high hopes that it will slow this beast's progress. Only one drug remains in the medicine cabinet... please God, let this work. Forget needing more time to shop for Christmas. I need more time, period.

As I type this update to you I watch my son Reid sleep; Yes, bad mommy let him sleep with us tonight! I mentally cannot wrap my mind around not being here to raise this beautiful being. I struggle with celebrating the holiday season versus mourning the possibility that it may be my last. I have one more drug available to me and we are now beginning our search for trials. With all of the research being done out there, surely there is something that can see me through my 38th birthday, Reid's 6th birthday and the Komen Austin Race in 2010. That is what I want for Christmas this year....a chance to see Christmas NEXT year.

Many of you already know the name of my Race team is “Michelle’s Angels”. These amazing people have walked with me, stood by me and brought love and faith with them as we’ve experienced this journey through breast cancer together. They have helped me “eat life with a big spoon” and I like to think I’ve helped them live their life that way too.

Become a "Pink Angel" this Holiday...

This holiday as we search for ways to show the people we love how we feel, I want to encourage you to reach out for the intangible holiday gift that will impact not only you and the one who receives your gift, but also the many women just like me that Komen Austin supports with your generous donations throughout the year. Donate to the Pink Angels Holiday fund on behalf of a family member or friend and help Komen keep their promise to all people at risk, including me: to end breast cancer forever.

After you make your donation you will be able to email or download and print a Pink Angels Holiday eCard to let your loved one know they have been honored by you this season. There are many gifts we can choose to give but a gift of hope is eternal.

Thank you for all you do for the cause. With supporters as passionate as you, it is not a matter of if we will find a cure but when. Your continued love, hope and blessings ensures there will one day be a world without breast cancer.

My warmest wishes and blessings for the holiday,

2009 Honorary Race Chair
Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

P.S. Don’t forget! Your year-end contribution to Komen Austin helps save lives AND is tax-deductible. Thank you again for your generosity!

Message From Honorary Race Chairman

Honorary Race Chair Michelle Bynum recently found out that her metastatic breast cancer is spreading. As we prepare for the upcoming 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Michelle and her family are sharing their stories with us.

Update from Michelle:

Cancer is a funny thing. It’s ugly, it’s unpredictable, and it’s emotional. My tumor markers were down and now they are showing an increase in size again. I haven’t lost my faith. We are going to continue my chemotherapy treatment and see what my next scan brings. Every day is a precious gift.

I’m sharing this with you because I want you to understand how this disease can change from day to day. We must find a cure!

Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I have to admit, I never really was a “pink” girl growing up. It seemed a little girlie and too bright. Other than thinking the “Pink Ladies” were cool in the movie Grease, it was not on my list of favorite colors (though I did want one of those jackets!). Many years ago, the color pink became synonymous with breast cancer. As loved ones were diagnosed with the dreaded disease, the color took an entire new meaning for me. It meant life, hope and the prayer for a cure someday. When I was diagnosed with late stage breast cancer at the age of 33, the “bright, girlie” color became a part of me (not quite as much as my beloved UT burnt orange, but a part of me none the less). It became a symbol of empowerment. Pink means “feminine” to those of us who face life with no hair, missing breasts as well as internal and external scars. Personally, it reminds me that I am not alone.

Yes, pink is a marketing tool to get your attention. However, this disease NEEDS your attention. Current statistics give a woman a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. If it isn’t already, this epidemic will be at your doorstep at some point in time with the diagnosis of a loved one or heaven forbid yourself. Many have fought and will continue to fight until breast cancer is a concern of the past. I dream of a day that my little niece Kendall is a grown woman with no fear of a ticking time bomb in her chest. I pray our children today will look back at my current treatment and think, “How barbaric!”

Every day is Breast Cancer Awareness for me but this month is special and worth reflection. When we see pink, wear pink, or think pink this month, please remember that awareness, education, and empowerment are three weapons we have to fight for life and wipe breast cancer off the map! Please sign up for the Race today, and if you can, take the 125 Challenge to pay for a woman’s mammogram.

I can’t wait to meet you, your family, and friends and share the magic with you on Sunday, November 1st!

With all my heart,