Redmond Reporter, May 22, 2015

REGISTER ONLINE: KOMENPUGETSOUND.ORG • @KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUND @KOMENPUGETSOUND #SEAKOMENRACE

Media Sponsor:

National Sponsors:

We’re on a missionIf you’re reading this message, you

may feel as we do at Susan G. Komen Puget Sound: we’re on a mission. It’s so important that everyone have access to breast cancer screening programs, as well as equal insurance coverage for cancer treatments. � e lives and well-being of our loved ones and all the women in our communities are at stake.

Everything we do is aimed at � ghting this awful disease, and you can help. Educate yourself about breast health. Encourage your loved

ones to be screened. Be an advocate. And don’t forget to join us for the 22nd annual Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure® on Sunday, June 7 at Seattle Center. Together we’ll celebrate the strength and courage of breast cancer survivors while raising critical funds to battle breast cancer locally.

To save $5 and have your registration fee matched dollar-for-dollar, sign up in person at an X� nity store from April 20 through Race day. Donations are accepted and matched as well; up to $35. Our thanks to Comcast for their generous matching program, which could bring in as much as $25,000 for our cause. Our appreciation also to presenting sponsor QFC and all the companies and teams who come together to make Race such a great experience each year.

Check out our website and fundraising app and be sure to sign up your friends, co-workers and family for Race for the Cure on June 7. Got kids? We’ll have plenty of fun for them and – for the � rst time – your canine friend!

If you’d rather volunteer – or just make a donation – we welcome your participation as well. A� er Race for the Cure, please check out our other upcoming events and opportunities. Together, we’ll make a di� erence against breast cancer and in our communities.

Yours in the � ght,

David RichartExecutive DirectorSusan G. Komen Puget Sound

Yours in the � ght,

David RichartExecutive Director

2 • REDMOND REPORTER • MAY 22, 2015

Get ready for a fun � lled family day at the JA Pedal Party.

No matter if you are a biking enthusiast or just graduated

from training wheels, you will have fun exploring the picturesque

fairgrounds and scenery around Remlinger Farms. It’s more than

just your average bike ride; there will be food, drinks, and an

auction that will all bene� t Junior Achievement of Washington.

Registration: 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.40 Mile Start: 8:30 a.m.13 Mile Start: 10:30 a.m.

Family Fun Picnic Start: 11:30 a.m.

40 Mile Ride15 Mile RideBBQ & MusicLawn GamesRaf� e Prizes

www.jaypc.org206.296.2613

JUNE 27th

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XFINITY STORES OFFER RACE FOR THE CURE REGISTRATION, DONATION MATCHES

Comcast is matching Race for the Cure Puget Sound registration fees and donations up to $35 for those who sign up in person at participating X� nity retail stores.

To double your donation, head to your local X� nity retail store and look for the pink iPad display. Race registrations will be accepted and matched at X� nity stores through Friday, June 5 and donations through Race day – Sunday, June 7.

Comcast has committed to support the matching campaign up to $25,000. � e company will match one registration fee or donation per participant.

“Employees throughout Comcast participated in the Race for the Cure for years, and it’s exciting to take this support to a new level. I can’t think of anyone at Comcast who hasn’t been

touched in some way by breast cancer through personal experience or family and friends. We are excited to partner with the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound and be a part of the solution to end breast cancer,” said Steve Kipp, Vice President of External A� airs for Comcast.

Washington State has the 5th highest breast cancer incidence rate in the U.S., according to a 2015 American Cancer Society survey. Breast cancer a� ects women and men across regions, ethnicities, and ages. In 2015, there are expected to be nearly 295,000 new breast cancer cases and over 40,000 deaths in the United States.

For more information about the registration and donation match and a list of participating X� nity stores, visit: www.KomenPugetSound.org/ComcastMatch.


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Do you currently use Clarisonic products?

Would you like to use Clarisonic products?

We are looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 & 70 to participate in Clinical Studies evaluating Clarisonic products.

If you are interested please contact us:Phone: 425-952-3730

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KOMEN PUGET SOUND RACE FOR THE CURE • 3

JOIN THE RACE. Everybody’s Welcome!

Race Day Schedule7:00 AM Registration and timing chip booth open 8:00 AM Kids for the Cure® Race 8:15 AM Women’s Only 5K Run8:30 AM Co-ed 5K Run 8:45 AM One Mile Walk8:45 AM Co-ed 5K Walk9:00 AM Paws for the Cure 5K Dog Walk (NEW!)10:55 AM Survivor Parade11:15 AM Fundraising Awards and Closing Ceremonies

RegisterJoin us on Sunday, June 7 as we come together to celebrate breast cancer survivors while raising critical funds for the � ght against breast cancer. Seventy-� ve percent of funds raised at the Race support local breast health screening, education and outreach programs. Twenty-� ve percent of funds raised go toward global research to � nd a cure. Visit komenpugetsound.org to sign up.

New this YearYour canine companion can be an of� cial part of this year’s Race when you register them for Paws for the Cure 5K walk! Paws for the Cure will begin at 9:00 am at the start line on Race day. A Race bib and pink bandana are included with your dog’s $25 registration fee, which must be purchased as part of an adult walker registration. Only one dog is permitted per adult walker registration.

Why We Race• One in eight women in the U.S. will be

diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

• Because every minute, somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer.

• And because, breast cancer knows no boundaries—be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location.

We Race because at the current rate, 13 million breast cancer deaths around the world will occur in the next 25 years. When you participate and fundraise for the Race, we � ght these statistics together. In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer con� ned to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent! Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the � ght against breast cancer - transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. This progress was made with your continued support and together we can reach our vision of a world without breast cancer.

Join a TeamMultiply your impact, multiply your fun! Participating in the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure® with a team increases the fun, the laughter and maybe even the tears you share on Race day.Did you know that every two minutes a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the US? Help us � ght back by forming a team in honor or in memory of someone you know impacted or touched by breast cancer. Together you make an even greater impact than you could alone.Teams can be of any size and team members do not have to participate in the same event. There is no extra cost to form or join a team.

Make a donationEven if you can’t walk or run, you can lend your support to the breast cancer � ght by making a general donation or giving to a participant or team. Visit the Race website to � nd out how.

Fundraise for the cureFundraising for the Race is easy! When you register, you automatically receive your own fundraising website which can be personalized. Use it to encourage everyone you know to visit your site where they can see what you are doing in the � ght against breast cancer and make a donation on your behalf. The Race website has a full list of other resources you can use to help you achieve your fundraising goals.

REGISTER ONLINE: KOMENPUGETSOUND.ORG • @KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUND @KOMENPUGETSOUND

Komen Puget Sound Upcoming

Community EventsRock ‘n’ Soul for the CureAugust 15, 2015 • Benaroya Hall, Seattle

Rock & Soul for a cause! Enjoy an evening at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle with Kalimba Band’s R&B, soul, and funk-inspired sound while playing a part in the local � ght against breast cancer.

Survivor CelebrationSeptember 12, 2015Holland America Line at Pier 91, Seattle

Join us at the 2015 Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Seattle city skyline, meet other breast cancer survivors and be inspired by special guest speakers. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, Seattle. Registration begins in August.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day®

September 18-20, 2015Greater Seattle Area

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the � ght to end breast cancer.

Lunch for the Cure®

October 6, 2015Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion, Tacoma

Lunch for the Cure® brings together Pierce County’s business and community leaders to raise funds for breast health outreach and education in Western Washington and for breast cancer research globally.

Power of a Promise® LuncheonOctober 28, 2015 • Downtown Seattle

The Power of a Promise luncheon brings together the Seattle and Eastside communities to make a powerful statement of commitment to Komen’s promise of a world without breast cancer.

Learn more about these and other events at komenpugetsound.org.

SEATTLECENTER

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START: 2nd & MercerE/B Mercer to 5th Ave.S/B 5th Ave. to CedarW/B Cedar to 4th Ave.S/B 4th to Seneca (East side of street)N/B 4th to Denny (West side of street)W/B Denny (W/B lanes)N/B 2nd Ave to Seattle CenterFINISH: 2nd & Harrison (Int’l Fountain)


KOMEN PUGET SOUND • SEATTLE CENTER • #KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUNDKOMEN PUGET SOUND • SEATTLE CENTER • #KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUNDKOMEN PUGET SOUND • SEATTLE CENTER • #KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUNDKOMEN PUGET SOUND • SEATTLE CENTER • #KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUNDKOMEN PUGET SOUND • SEATTLE CENTER • #KOMENPUGETSOUND /KOMENPUGETSOUND

PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS – and help women get lifesaving breast cancer screenings. Join former Gov. Christine Gregoire in choosing these special edition license plates, now available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Proceeds from the plates fund free breast cancer screening services and follow-ups for women in need through the state’s Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program (BCCHP), supported through a grant from Susan G. Komen® Puget Sound.

Gregoire, a breast cancer survivor, credits early detection for saving her life and is committed to raising awareness of cancer prevention and screenings, including mammograms.

� e � rst 18 Washington State breast cancer awareness license plates were sold by online auction in October, raising $13,983 for the cause.

If you or a loved one need a mammogram but have no insurance or a limited health plan, contact the BCCHP to apply for a free screening. Call 1-888-438-2247 to � nd out if you may be eligible, or get more information online at www.doh.wa.gov/bcchp. Eligibility for the BCCHP is based on health insurance status, income and age.

THE FABULOUS FOOBSWith a name like � e Fabulous

Foobs, the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure team co-led by survivor Dana Chambers would have a good story behind it. Indeed, “foobs” are the result of Dana’s own journey, which began in December 2013 with a needle biopsy and diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma.

Dana, married and “mom” to a quarter horse named Gunnar, was told to prepare for surgery, chemo and a long, di� cult year. Determined to win the battle, she opted for a double mastectomy, and ended up having 16 lymph nodes out too.

Dana recalls a di� cult recovery from surgery, followed by a surprising rebound during chemo. � ough she lost her hair and experienced pain and fatigue, she took RV trips with her

husband, rode Gunnar and made progress on her quilting projects. “I was not about to let cancer rule my life and take away the things I love the most,” she said.

She signed up for her � rst Race for the Cure and joined thousands of Komen Puget Sound supporters and fundraisers at Seattle Center last June. “At the end of the one-mile walk I was so warm that I decided to remove my bandana in public for the � rst time,” she said. A photographer captured the moment when a friend kissed Dana’s bald head. � at compelling shot – with Dana’s beautiful grin – graces this year’s Race � yers and ads.

Dana’s battle isn’t � nished. Chemo ended, but her oncologist advised Herceptin infusions and an anti-estrogen medicine along with radiation. With treatments and reconstruction still in her future, Dana works at maintaining a positive attitude, expressing thanks to God, family, friends and a supportive medical team. “I’m going to the gym, walking, riding my horse and living my life,” Dana said. “And I’ll see all of you at Race for the Cure on June 7!”

Founded in 1992 by local volunteers who shared a vision of ending breast cancer forever, the Puget Sound A� liate has invested more than $28.6 million to � ght breast cancer. Funding from Race for the Cure and other Komen Puget Sound events support community programs, as well as groundbreaking science to � nd a cure.

Komen funds breast cancer early detection and education. Here are just a few of the organizations that bene� t:

Cancer Lifeline—Patient Assistance & Treatment Support, helping

low-income patients who are in treatment for breast cancer.

Washington State Department of Health—Komen Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Program, lifesaving mammograms and diagnostic services to nearly 8,000 low income women

Franciscan Foundation—Breast Cancer Navigation Program, screening,

diagnostics and treatment for Asian, Paci� c Islander, African American, Hispanic, Native American and sexual minority women in Tacoma/Pierce County

South Puget IntertribalPlanning Agency—

Native Women’s Wellness Program, providing breast health outreach, education, screening and support to women in rural tribal communities.

Also, a minimum of 25 percent of the a� liate’s net income goes to breast cancer research. Here are just a few of the Komen Scholars funded in the past year:

• Julie Gralow, M.D., of the University of Washington, is exploring whether there are features found on breast cancer cells at the time of diagnosis that make the cancer cells more likely to spread to the bone or other sites. Dr. Gralow and her team also test whether biophosphonates, a class of drugs that inhibit bone breakdown, can decrease breast cancer recurrence.

• Benjamin Anderson, M.D., of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, to continue his professional work in addressing breast cancer disparities around the globe.

• Mary-Claire King, Ph.D., of the University of Washington to screen for mutations in the non-coding regions of breast cancer genes that may regulate when and where those genes get activated, potentially identifying novel mutations and new mechanisms for inherited breast cancer.

Dr. King is well known for her discovery of the BRCA1

gene. Studies have shown that mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (combined with other known genetic risk mutations) account for about one-third of hereditary breast cancers.

KOMEN ON A MISSION TO END BREAST CANCER

Gov. Christine Gregoire


but they do have heart. If that’s true, then Susan G. Komen Puget Sound volunteer Barb Tiller has heart—lots of it. � e 70-year-old Seattle native has been an active Komen Puget Sound volunteer for 20 years, beginning her involvement with the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure in 1996. � is year’s Race for the Cure brings Barb’s volunteer career full circle as she tackles the challenge of wrangling close to 500 helpers as the Race volunteer co-chair.

“I’ve always loved Komen, ever since I started volunteering,” Barb says. � at love was born of a chance meeting with a pair of breast cancer survivors, a meeting she counts as a transformational moment in her journey. “� ey were so full of life and happy,” she recalls. “� ey’d just gone through treatment and losing a breast, and I thought ‘How could they be happy going through something like that?’”

Barb soon recognized

that it is the feeling of sisterhood among survivors that lies at the root of their joy. Since then, Barb has been an active Komen volunteer, providing support for everything from administrative work in the organization’s downtown Seattle o� ce to greeting guests at events. Her volunteer work, she says, “is just something of a passion now. I want to continue to work with Komen and be a part of the cure.”

As Race volunteer co-chair, Barb is charged with managing a variety of roles required to ensure the event goes smoothly. However, her greatest joy in the role is in seeing all of the other who are also interested in � nding a cure. She is inspired by these volunteers, many of them breast cancer survivors, who share her determination to bring an end to the disease.

THERE’S A SAYING THAT VOLUNTEERS DON’T NECESSARILY HAVE TIME,

It may be hard to know what to say or do when someone has breast cancer, even when you really want to help. Susan G. Komen has resources for “co-survivors,” along with suggested ways to o� er support and take care of yourself during this di� cult time.

A co-survivor can be anyone who o� ers support, including family, friends, spouses, partners, kids, co-workers, healthcare providers, support groups and spiritual advisors.

� ere are many ways to support a survivor. � oughtful gestures big and small mean a lot, whether the person has just been diagnosed or completed treatment years ago. By giving support you show strength and love. � ere are three main types of support: informational, emotional and practical. Survivors may need di� erent types of support at di� erent times.

Informational support involves learning all you can about breast cancer, because the more you know, the more you can help. You can learn common breast cancer terms and treatment options, make a list of questions to ask the

doctor, or gather information for your loved one and share what you’ve learned.

Emotional support means you’re aware a diagnosis of breast cancer can bring about a wide range of emotions including shock, fear, denial, sadness and anger. As your loved one goes through this, just listen. Let them express their feelings. Give them a hug if it will be of comfort.

Practical support means helping with day-to-day tasks. You could o� er to cook or clean, drive them to the doctor, deliver a hot meal, do laundry, send a note or watch their kids.

Sometimes co-survivors need help too. Support groups are available for caregivers. You can also ask others to help so that you can take a break. By going to www.komen.org/cosurvivor, you can connect with others on Komen’s co-survivor message board and create an online calendar to assist your loved one.

If you’re a co-survivor in need of support or tips, visit www.komen.org/cosurvivor or call the breast care helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

WAYS TO SUPPORT A SURVIVOR

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By Samantha Pak

Since Patti Margeson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she has

been working to raise aware-ness about the importance of getting checked.

From participating in walks and runs — in various capacities — to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, to helping run special events at local businesses, the Redmond resident has been doing her part to spread the word.

For Margeson, getting checked regularly was what has her living cancer free for almost three and a half years. She even has a tattoo of “1-11-2012” on her calf, marking the date of when she was deemed free of cancer.

CHECK THE WHOLE FAMILY

Margeson had gone in for her annual mammogram in November 2011 and learned shortly a� er that appoint-ment that she had breast cancer. Because the cancer was caught early, she received treatment and underwent surgery to remove a � ve-centimeter lump in her right

breast. In addition, Margeson also learned that she had the BRCA 1 gene — a genetic mutation that prevents her body from � ghting estrogen-based cancer. As a result, she also had a total hysterectomy as there was an 85 percent of her getting cancer again and an increased risk for ovarian cancer.

While breast cancer is largely associated as a female cancer, Margeson said it af-fects both genders.

“� is isn’t just a female thing,” she said. “Men can get breast cancer.”

She added that while most women will look to the maternal side of their family to see if they might carry the BRCA 1 gene, it is important to check with both sides as men can carry the gene,

as well. Margeson said she inherited the gene from her father.

Men with the BRCA 1 gene have a higher risk of de-veloping breast cancer, pros-tate cancer and skin cancer. Some men with the BRCA 2 gene have an increased risk for pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct and stomach cancers.

GETTING OUT, SPREADING THE WORD

Since she has been cancer free, Margeson has partici-pated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk three times. She has walked it once and done route safety for the event twice. She will be doing route safety again for this year’s event from Sept. 18-20.

Margeson said with the lat-

ter, she rides her bike on the route alongside the walkers, helping them cross streets and making sure they stay on the path. If a walker can’t � nish the walk, she said part of her role is also to call for a van to pick up the walker.

“� ey feel like they’re cheating (if they don’t � nish) and it’s not,” Margeson said, adding that when she did the walk, she had to call her husband to drive her part of the way.

For the 3-Day, Marge-son’s husband, Redmond City Council president Hank Margeson, will drive alongside her team, taking people’s coats when they get warm, charging phones if needed and � lling any other need. Patti said one year, he even drove one of their team members to Seattle because she needed to get a blood transfusion and then drove her back to meet up with the rest of the group.

“He’s just a great sport about it,” Patti said.

In addition to the 3-Day, Patti is also planning to participate in Komen Puget Sound’s Race for the Cure 5K. � e event is June 7 and she signed up to partici-

pate in January. During the registration process, she also checked that she will be walking with a dog — a dog she did not have yet. But since then, she has gotten a dog, who she has named Layla, and the two will be doing the 5K together.

Hank said they are now empty nesters — their son and daughter are in their 20s — and when their son moved out, Patti told him she wanted a dog.

“She convinced me it was worth her while,” he said.

OUTSIDE INTERESTSSince she has been cancer

free, Patti — who works as a child-care provider out of their home — bought a farm so they could have a place to board her and her daughter’s horses as the farm they had been boarded at previously changed hands and the new owners couldn’t take them. To pay for the property, Patti took a second job, working part-time at Aegis of Red-mond.

“I discovered I love old people,” she said with a laugh. “I just clicked with them.”

� is, combined with her � rst job, made for up to 90-

hour weeks.Hank said his wife would

not have been able to do this if she wasn’t feeling well health-wise. He added that Patti is also the type of person to � ll in the gaps and help out wherever it is needed.

Patti agreed, saying that caregiving is in her nature.

“All my friends are in diapers or just out of them or getting ready for them,” she said with a laugh.

As a cancer survivor, Patti said she has re� ected back on her life to see what she would have done di� erently if she could. And while there is not much she would change, she said she would have taken more time to focus on herself and taken better care of herself — making sure she was exercising and eating right. She said she also would have taken some time to develop her own interests and hobbies.

Although, she said, she did rediscover her love of horses — which she had as a girl — through her daughter’s involvement in equestrian sports.

“You got to do things for you,” Patti said.

Margeson still cancer free, urges others to get checked

Patti Margeson with her dog Layla. SAMANTHA PAK/REDMOND REPORTER

Breast cancer and family life Family is at the heart of everyday life for most people. Busy schedules are � lled with work, school, daycare, and hobbies. Add to that all the shopping, housework, and a few other activities and suddenly you’re

faced with overload. Such is life, vibrant and joyful, until the day when the unthinkable

happens. Mom (or even Dad, although it’s more rare) develops breast cancer.

Even though breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also receive this diagnosis. A newly diagnosed person sometimes

has to leave her job, either

temporarily or permanently, to undergo the appropriate treatment. The family has to

reorganize and confront increased expenses and a reduction in income, especially if the parent has to be sent away to be treated. Indeed, oncology centers are usually located in large urban areas.It is quite understandable that parents feel totally distraught at the thought of having to leave their children and suffer through this ordeal all alone. Fortunately, many types of support are available. Common supports are loved ones, self-help groups, organizations and foundations that provide counseling, and accommodations near specialized oncology centers. With the Internet, webcams, and social media, it is now much easier to communicate from a distance and experience the support of family. It is important to stay in touch with children and stay involved in their daily lives; it helps make the long wait seem shorter, and it soothes everyone’s worries.In happiness as in adversity, it is comforting to be able to count on a united family. Send a clear message to those treacherous cancer cells—the family will have the last word!

Patients get well faster with family support.

At this year’s Su-san G. Komen Race for the Cure Kirk-

land resident and breast cancer survivor Peggy Maimon’s team intends to honor a friend - coworker and fellow breast cancer survivor Char Davis.

“She was the glue that held us all together,” Maimon said. “We’ve had more laughs than I can count.”

For Maimon, a volun-teer at Susan G. Komen, her team’s name, “Char’s Dream Team,” reflects not just the kind of the relationships she had with Davis, who recently passed away, but with other coworkers past and present since she first started working there five years ago.

“I fell in love with each and every one of them,” she said. “It was so posi-tive, I hated going home.”

When she first ap-proached the foundation with the idea of working

for them, she attended health fairs, but decided that she needed to work at the office.

“The moment I walked in, I had friends,” she said. “I fell in love with them. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed working there and with women who

volunteer.”Since then, she said

she has done “everything there is to do,” which included heading the volunteers for the annual Race for the Cure.

“It is so exciting to see 500-600 volunteers to show up in the morn-

ing,” she said. “It is truly amazing…what a won-derful group of volun-teers, and we need more of those.”

One of the highlights of her time with Susan G. Komen was chairing Seattle’s Power of a Prom-ise Luncheon in 2013. Since 2008, the luncheons have raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research, according to the foundation.

Among the things she said she’s learned since working at the founda-tion is their vigilance in determining where grants should go. Sitting in on a grant committee meeting on one occa-sion, she said she was in awe of how the com-

mittee examined grant applications to ensure the money was spent only on cancer research.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago, Maimon said the women in her family have dealt with it going back to her

great-grandmother.“They were both

very strong wonderful women,” she said of her mother and grandmother. “A lot of women are not like that. A lot of women wallow and feel sorry for themselves and cry. The women I know through Komen do not do that. I guess that’s leaning on other people and know-ing other people under-stand you.”

Because of her family medical history, Maimon said when she diagnosed herself she was not shocked.

“It was just always wondering when I would get it,” she said. “But I’m a survivor and I’m healthy and I’ve been taken care of.”

At the same time, by the time she had breast cancer, she said a lot of progress had been made since her mother had been diagnosed when Maimon was in junior high. Although her

mother survived and lived to be 80, Maimon said there is a hush-hush attitude around the disease, which was far less understood than it is now, and so it was rarely discussed.

“People died in those years, and now there’s people reaching out to be people, women reaching out to women,” she said. “It’s amazing how women reach out to women. Before, it was a quiet disease.”

While she said she doesn’t know whether or not a cure will be found in her lifetime, progress is still being made, and major advancements in the medical field allows doctors to provide more options and better advice for patients in recent years.

“They’ve come a long way in treating breast cancer,” she said. “There’s been a lot of research and success that has Komen dollars behind it.”

Kirkland woman honors co-worker in Race for the CureMaimon’s team created by local breast cancer survivor By TJ Martinell

Kirkland resident Peggy Maimon created a team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to honor a former co-worker, Char Davis, who died from breast cancer. Maimon is a breast cancer survivor. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO



Join QFC and the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure as we raise funds and awareness for the

fight against breast cancer. Ensuring that all women have access to breast cancer early

detection and quality treatment support is the ultimate goal, and QFC is committed to seeing

this happen.

Understanding the facts about the disease and knowing the warning signs can help protect you

and your loved ones. Here are some useful tips:

• Talk to your family and learn about your family health history

•Completemonthlybreastself-exams

•Bealerttoanychangesinyourbody

•Notifyyourdoctorimmediatelyifyounoticeanychangesorhaveanyconcerns

•Haveyearlycheck-upsandmammograms,asrecommended

•Spreadthewordbytalkingandsharingwithmothers,sisters,familyandfriends.

Love and knowledge are powerful weapons in this battle.

QFC is proud to be the Local Presenting Sponsor of this

year’s Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure. We will see

you at Seattle Center on June 7th!

A Step in the Right Direction

Redmond Reporter, May 22, 2015

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Transcript of Redmond Reporter, May 22, 2015