Why I Race for a Cure

I have been racing for a cure since I was 15. But something I did last year really opened my eyes to why this event is so important!

I had my fist mammogram last year. "But I am not 40 yet. Not even close!" I proclaimed to my OBGYN when he told me he wanted me to get one. "Did you find a lump? Are you concerned?"

Being my doctor for the last ten years, he is used to my freak outs. "No Kate. Your breasts look fine. That is why I want you to get a mammogram now. I want to establish a base line and then you don't have to get one until you are forty. That way we will have a healthy picture to compare anything else to."

I wasn't nervous about my upcoming mammogram. I didn't even think about it that much until the day of my appointment. Then I got nervous. What if this shows something the doctor wouldn't be able to detect through a normal exam? Then I remembered that is why early detection is so important.

I heard that the mammogram would be painful. Maybe that only applies to women who have large breasts. For the first time ever in my small breasted life, I was grateful for what I had. As I was standing there holding my pose so they could get an image, that is when it hit me. I was so grateful for my health insurance. I was so grateful that I lived close to a medical center that could perform this exam.

Ten days later when I got the call that my mammogram was clear, I was so grateful for the information. I didn't have to wonder.

By signing up for the Race for the Cure, I am helping those women and men who don't have insurance, who don't have a medical center near them, who need gas money to get to the nearest doctor, who need help with groceries because they are spending what money they do have on fighting breast cancer. They have enough to worry about so I want to help with the other stuff. That is why I sign up each year. That is why I race for a cure.

My mammogram wasn't painful. My mammogram gave me peace of mind. The earlier you find out, the better your chances are. It became so important to me to make sure every woman who needed a mammogram gets one. More than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer each year. Together we can decrease that number. Early detection is key. That is why Komen Boise has invested over $5.3 million in community breast health and awareness programs in the 28 county service area.

Tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the 15 days for $15. Tell all your friends and family to join the Mix Bosom Buddies, sponsored by Allante Life Med Spa,no matter what wave they are signing up for. Save $10 if you sign up by tomorrow. I encourage you to take that $10 and donate it. You'll then receive a special pink Komen wristband and you'll be entered to win special prizes on race day, May 10th!