Your Stories

Tell your story

The EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women has become the celebration of my life and my survival. I have walked the walk with my family and friends since 2000. As I walk amongst the thousands of people, I think how lucky I am that I have survived Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. Nine and a half years ago my cancer was diagnosed through an elevated CA125 blood test. At the Run/Walk I proudly wear the "survivor" sign on my back to encourage and give hope to all the women presently fighting ovarian cancer.

There is hope!

Barbara Newman
East Meadow, New York

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Every year the number of women I list on the "In support of" and the "In memory of" signs I attach to my back gets longer. I started running in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women to support a colleague of mine. She died days before the race. My cousin has been in remission from ovarian cancer for five years. I choose to participate in this event because of the camaraderie and the surge of hope that follows the crowd throughout the 5k event. This year, I will add Aunt Helene to the list of women I run in memory of and my sister-in-law to the list of women I run in support of. I believe in the cure.

Diane Futernick

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I walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women with my sister Susan, my daughter Andrea and my nieces Christine and Lauren in memory of my mother, Sara who died of Ovarian Cancer 28 years ago at the age of 55. She lasted four months; my mother never had a chance back then, but now with all the research and all the wonderful people who participate in the Revlon Run/Walk cancer is not a death sentence. It's our way of helping other families so that they don't go through the heartache of seeing a loved one suffer. I applaud all who participate and I would also like to applaud all the special people who volunteer their time at this marvelous event. Keep up the good work.

Laura Niemann

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I participate in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women for the million of women who are fighting this disease, who are in hospital rooms, at home, who are with their families struggling with the existence of having cancer. I walk for my grandmothers, my mother and for me who one day will hopefully see the cure and I hope this will be a distant memory for my daughter.

Annette

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Hello, we are the Camacho family from the Bronx, and we are thrilled to be participating again in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women.   We walk in the loving memory of our beloved sister Beira.  She was only 35 years old when she lost her fight against cancer.  She was diagnosed in 2004 and she went to heaven in 2006.  We have been walking since 2005.  There are no words to describe how devastating and painful it is to lose someone so young and so full of life.  We walk for the memories and we walk to help to find a cure for this terrible disease.  That is why we walk every year to thank all the people that help us with their contributions and their support.

Betania, Venecia, Betsaida, Betty and our mother Maria

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My 12 year old daughter Annabel and I are walking in the EIF Revlon run/walk event on May 2nd in NYC because cancer has touched our lives in just too many ways. I hope in her lifetime she will see changes in treatments and cures that we are just dreaming about now. We are walking for our friends, Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, and everyone that has been touched by this terrorizing disease. We will be walking in memory of some...and for dear ones struggling as we speak...

Laurie Posimato

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I am participating in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in memory of two very special people. I lost both my grandmother and my friend Tammy Cavallo Wilson to breast cancer. I never got to know my grandmother because she died before I was born over 40 years ago. I always felt a void in my life because I never got to know her. When I heard of Tammy's passing I decided it was time to get involved. I have always wanted to get more involved with raising cancer awareness. When Tammy passed away on New Years Eve it really hit home. Here was a girl who was my age, had a family, and had a love for life like no other. Cancer took that all away at such an early age. I realized that even 40 years later people were still dying from this disease. So I joined Team Tammy to help make a difference. Raising funds is my main objective so we may someday find a cure. I hope and wish that I will never have to loose another loved one to cancer again.

Linda Buonocore

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I walk in memory of my very brave mother Maureen Seiden. I walk in honor of her and her fight with ovarian cancer. She lost her 6 1/2 year fight on December 10th, 2008 and will not get the chance to see me get married this August, watch her daughter Stacey and son in law Paul raise their beautiful daughter, Olivia, or watch her grow up. Since the time cancer came into our lives, not one woman that has come in contact with a member of our family or friends leaves without facts regarding ovarian cancer. She educated, she listened, she fought, she helped her doctors learn more about her disease and for that I walk. I continue her fight to educate and to share her spirit. I walk in the EIF REVLON Run/Walk For Women for me, for my friends, for my family and for my future children. I will carry her message, and for that, my father, my sister, my niece, my fiancé, my brother-in-law and our extended family will make sure my mom's message is still heard. I walk in memory of and with honor for my mom, Maureen Seiden, our hero.

Rachel Seiden
New York, NY

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I am a uterine cancer survivor who was mistreated and misdiagnosed for two years by eight doctors before finally getting a proper diagnosis. I swear I got in the stirrups more times than Roy Rogers! A radical hysterectomy was a bitter pill for me to swallow, but I turned my pain into purpose by becoming a women's health advocate so that what happened to me didn't happen to anyone else. As the President and Visionary of The Cancer Schmancer Movement I see whole families destroyed because of the profound loss of their mother, sister or daughter due to late stage diagnosis of women's cancers. We must educate ourselves on the early warning signs of cancer and the tests that could save our lives, transform from patients into medical consumers and take control of our bodies! I feel I got famous, I got cancer and I lived to talk about it. Sometimes the best gifts come in the ugliest packages. I walk because I want to see a day where no woman loses her life due to late stage diagnosis of cancer. I walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women to say "Cancer Schmancer" because cancer is NOT the boss of me!

Fran Drescher

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When I was 29 I was diagnosed with the first of many malignant melanomas. Almost eight years later I have had more than 40 excisions; the scars are my badges of courage. Every three months I have procedures and interferon treatments. This is my fourth year participating in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, and I run to gain the strength and hope from the other survivors to endure another year of treatment. This event gives so many chances to make a difference, and it is wonderful to be a part of. I will be raising money and running again on May 2nd with my son, and know that I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Thank you so much EIF and Revlon for such an amazing event for such an important cause!

Lori Greenberg

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I've walked for the fight against breast cancer for many years. Then in June 2006, I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. My cancer was very aggressive and I decided on a double mastectomy and an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. I have four children and a husband who need me. My choice was easy, I chose to survive! I am now 28 months cancer free! I walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women as a survivor. I walk for all the women in my life ... and all the women I do not know, who may at some time fall into these statistics. I walk to help find a cure that might someday SOON remove the fear in the sounds of those words "Breast Cancer." I walk to give strength. I walk to support. I walk to survive. I will never stop "Making Strides" for survival. I WILL SURVIVE!

Jean Coppola

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I joined the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in memory of a great woman, my mom. I lost her to stomach cancer in 1994. She was diagnosed and then six months later she lost her battle. During that time the technology was not as advanced as today, so participating in this walk is very important. I want to help someone in every possible way to have their mother, sisters, friends or aunts live a longer life with better medicine or even with an outcome of being finally cancer free! I will continue to participate and hope we can finally one day find a cure!

Damaris Velazquez

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My story is a lot like many, though the circumstances may be different. I'm a mom of two young women who never met their grandmother. My Mom's passing years ago left a hole in my life, and grief altered many of my life choices.

My Mom had leukemia. She died gracefully, leaving a legacy I thought was too big for my sisters and me to carry, but we tried in our own ways. My Dad mourned her loss but lived a fruitful life, though he was diagnosed with cancer later on. He used to tell me, "Baby, it's nothing but a little chemo", attempting to console me in his jovial and positive way. Within days of returning from the Hurricane Katrina evacuation, he passed away, once again leaving a far-reaching legacy.

On behalf of Songs of Solomon we are excited to again be part of the EIF REVLON Run/Walk For Women Opening Ceremonies in Times Square. They are an inspirational ensemble that reminds us we are not alone in our love, hope and healing. I've learned through my parents that by sharing our gifts we can find a cure one step at a time. It all starts with U!

Barbara Bullard-Leacock

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May 2009 marks 12 years since my cancer diagnosis, and I am excited to walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women to celebrate survivorship and honor my family. With 5 different cancer diagnoses over 4 generations of women in my family, I participate in the Run/Walk so that future generations of my family do not have to share the experience that I, my mother, my aunt, my grandmother, and my great grandmother have in common.

I look forward to joining thousands of others on May 2nd to raise money for important cancer organizations like the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, increase awareness about the disease and resources, and inspire hope for people affected by cancer.

Anne Willis
Washington, DC

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My name is Ina and I am a 16-year breast cancer survivor. It all started when I found a small pimple on my left breast while showering. I went for a mammogram and sonogram, and nervously waited for the results. My doctor called and said to see a breast surgeon ASAP--- not good news. I had to have a mastectomy on my left breast. My second and third opinions were the same. After the surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital, I came home and waited to see if it had spread to any of my lymph nodes and it had. I went to an Oncoloyst, Dr. Lynn Ratner, and I asked him if I was going to die. He said, "We removed your breast, and now you will need Chemotherapy, but you will live a long and healthy life." Sixteen years later, I am alive and healthy! I thank Dr. Ratner every day for saving my life. This is my 10th year doing the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women. I know so many people affected by this disease. I am looking forward to participating again this year on May 2, 2009. I hope this will be the year for the cure!

Ina Cohen

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I have run in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women for the past seven years. The first year in support of my grandmother, and the following year for myself, then six months into my own uterine cancer battle. My Mother runs alongside me, and I can proudly say we ran the 2008 Run/Walk both cancer free.

I am currently battling to stay healthy & undergoing another round of chemo to chance off what is appearing to be a 3rd potential bout.

The Run/Walk is a special way for my Mom and I to support and be supported. I have decided to surprise my Mom with a continuation of our tradition and I will be surprising her this year. I look forward to joining the huge crowd again in 2010, but for this year, we will run with as much spirit and health possible just the two of us!

Jamie Freitas

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In 1996, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. How this changed our family's life. My mom lived in Florida and I in New York. I was distraught having to watch my mom cope from afar. Watching TV one day, I saw an announcement for the first EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women. I called my sister and daughter and said, "Let's get donations and walk!" It was my way to show my mom our support for her. I was overcome with emotion that first year we walked. Times Square was filled with thousands of women, all of whom felt the same desire to find a cure. The bond was amazing, and every year that I walk, I feel the same emotion. My mom died seven years ago, after a five year battle. My greatest gift to her would be to walk the final Run/Walk of triumph!

Janet Spool

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For three years I have worked at the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, advocating for quality cancer care. Over this period of time I've seen successes in my fight to improve care and experienced difficult times in loosing family, friends and colleagues to cancer.

This week NCCS lost a friend and colleague, Dan Waeger, after nearly four years battling lung cancer. He fought every step of the way and those of us lucky to know him have the utmost respect and admiration for Dan. At 26-years-old, Dan leaves behind a remarkable fiancé who is truly a cancer survivor as well.

On May 2nd I will walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women to celebrate their strength, struggles, and their ability to be honest and vulnerable enough to let so many share part of their journey. They have touched and taught everyone they've met along the way.

Lisa Auslander

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I am in the middle of my chemotherapy. After 11 years of faithfully going for my mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 20, 2008. I had a mastectomy of my right breast and had 26 lymph nodes removed. My sisters, nieces, daughter-in-law, friends and other family have taken part in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women for the past seven years. We have walked for strangers and friends, but never one of us. This year I WILL join the survivors and we will walk! This is the first year we are doing a TEAM called Mary's Friends. They tell me I will be "cured," and I am doing "very well" with my treatments. I continue to work because I need something to keep me sane and grounded. This is the hardest journey I have had to take in my life, but I have the love, prayer and support of the most fabulous people, and I will walk this year with a special purpose.

Mary Kunkel

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I am walking for the first year in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women this May, for my mother. On her birthday this August, she discovered that she didn't have Polyps. It was that c word! More than likely it was stage one because it had not even been a year since her last pap test. She would be fine. She went in for a hysterectomy, that would remove the cancer but it had already spread, progressing to her lymph nodes...stage three. That word…..cancer, really had come into our lives. Quietly, quickly, and changed it forever! She had the ‘what if' questions; "Was there something that I missed?" So I walk in honor of those questions for my mother! I know together anything is possible! And courage has a name, and for our family it is Marlene.

Melissa Rochkes

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Ovarian Cancer changed my life drastically when at ten years old it took my mother away. Later, it took my two aunts and my sister, and now my niece has cancer. I was told last spring to take a genetic test called Brac-Analysis. The results of the test were positive for a genetic mutation. I'm 35 with an 87% risk of getting Breast, Ovarian, Colon and Pancreas Cancer; now I have to take precautions and have further surgery.

Ovarian Cancer has no symptoms. Being at risk isn't pleasant, but I have in my hands the opportunity to do something. I inherited my mother's genes, but I inherited her faith and courage, too. I learned from her that even in your last moments you have to fight to stay alive for your love ones. Cancer doesn't care about age, gender or race, and we don't have to be affected by it in order to be effective. My husband and I will walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in memory of our loved ones, for our children and all of us. I walk because it is my responsibility.

Milena Gil Gonzalez

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My answer is from my heart because I want to tell my loved ones, my husband Douglas, my sister Olga, and my sister-in-laws Patricia and Andreina that have been touched by cancer. That they do not have to face cancer alone, and that I love them and want to encourage them to keep on fighting against cancer.

Also, I walk in the EIF Revlon Run Walk in memory of my father Orestes, my nephews Diego, Alonso and Gian-Carlo, my sister-in-law Pat, my grandparents and my best friendsHilda, and Malela. I walk for all the strength they showed in fighting cancer before they pass away, and to thank them for the great memories and their beautiful sprits they left us with.

I walk for them! To empower, and pay them tribute! To support NCCS's Team raise funds and continue the programs that help survivors.

I am ready for this challenge! Are you?

Nella Tinsler

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On June 21st 2007, I was given some grim news. When my son L.J. was born I was told that I had Ovarian Cancer and it would have gone completely undiagnosed if not for the emergency c-section. He had spent the last nine months inside me surrounded by cancer. My son saved my life that day. I underwent a complete hysterectomy and treatment and am now proud to say BOTH my son and I are perfectly healthy. My story is my reason for walking in the 2009 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women.

Rebecca Theriaque

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My Grandmother died from cancer in 2000. My sisters and I decided to walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women the following year. We enjoyed it so much that we said we would walk every year. Though all of us donated each year, only my sister walked each year. Last year I joined her and walked again. I was happy that I did. I realized that by walking I raise even more money, so I have made a promise and commitment to myself to walk every year. I will not let anything or anyone get in the way of this promise. Seeing cancer survivors walking is inspirational. I know if they can walk, I can definitely walk to help them. Cancer is a part of EVERY ONE'S FAMILY, and we must all help to educate and raise money for such a good cause. I cannot make up for the years that I did not walk, but I can make sure I try my very best to raise a lot of money every time I walk. As a woman I feel it is part of my job to help in anyway that I can.

Robin Thorpe

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I walk because my beautiful friend, Karla Arias was a fund raiser until this year when she died in a car accident on March 21, 2009; she was 32 years old. She was a beautiful and good human being. Karla had joined the EIF Revlon Run/Walk because her mother died of cancer when she was 17 years old. All of Karla's friends will be getting together to do the walk in her memory her mother's memory and the many other woman that have cancer and have past away due to cancer.

Rosie Cruz

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I started walking the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in 2000, right after the loss of my husband's grandmother. She lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, and so I wanted to walk in support of her. When I arrived at Times Square, I felt an energy that was beyond words. My heart immediately overflowed and I couldn't wait to get walking, yet, I did not want the day to go by fast. As we walked, it was amazing to see so many supporters and survivors. It gave me comfort knowing that should the disease enter the life of my family, friends or myself that there is love, support and inspiration out there, and because of this reason, I walk. Not only do we have God but we have God's children too. This is my 9th year walking and I have since encouraged friends, family and co-workers to walk for the cause, as well.

Roxanne Thorpe

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Team Cara Cozy started after my breast cancer diagnosis at age 29. My friends and family decided to support me in a big way. That year, 120 people walked on my team in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, and they all raised $46,000 approximately. The second year, 110 people walked with Cara Cozy and raised $27,000. Last year, 110 people walked and raised $23,000. We are now $4,000 away from $100,000.

My family and friends walk for me, Cara Cozy. They walk in memory and honor of all the women in their lives who have been touched by cancer. They walk because the aura in the air that day is amazing, and seeing the thousands of people who support women, life, and action is uplifting.

Each year, I send an email update to over 250 people. They walk because I have become an inspiration to them. It has been a whirlwind of three years: Double mast, chemo, hormone therapy, and last week --implant replacement because of a freak implant flip. But I continue to live life and to think positively. Dream as if you will live forever; live as if you will die today.

Cara Lewis

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I walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women for my daughter, Meghan McGrady.

Meghan's story.....
I was born in Teaneck, NJ. I attended Rutgers University, made the Dean's List and joined Alpha Chi Omega my junior year. I fundraised & volunteered for Children with Cancer & Blood Disorders and loved being a substitute teacher. I was accepted for my Masters in Education… my future was bright. I was a happy senior hanging out with my sisters, roommates & my brother, & looking forward to Grad School.

That's when our nightmare began.....
In February, they found a growth in Meghan's left ovary. They said since Meghan was 21, it probably wasn't cancer & waiting 3 weeks wouldn't make a difference. Meghan took her finals and finished school early with a 3.7 GPA. Her operation was on April 23rd, just days after we found it was cancer. May 17, 2007, Meghan's wish came true. She walked to the podium and, in pain, received her diploma. She spent most of her last 6 months in Sloan-Kettering. On October 22, with family & friends beside her, my angel went to heaven. She was 22… her life had just begun.

Before passing Meghan was preparing to speak at Sororities to spread the word about ovarian cancer. Now we are trying to do that.

Cheryl McGrady
Dumont, NJ

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My name is Race Taylor from 95.5 FM WPLJ New York, and I am thrilled to be your new MC for the 2009 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women.

I participate to show support for the three women in my family that are cancer survivors. Their stories of strength and courage inspire me everyday, as do the stories of my many PLJ listeners.

To the more than 1.5 million who hear me every week from 3-7pm, I will spread the important message of early detection, treatment, funding and support. I believe whole heartedly that one day, thanks to events like the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women, cancer will indeed be a thing of the past.

Please join me in the fight against women's cancers on Saturday May, 2nd.

Sincerely,

Race Taylor

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The EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women is the symbol of my life as a Cancer Survivor. I was diagnosed in August 2005 with Stage 3C Endometrial Cancer. After undergoing both radiation and chemo, I was alive but physically depleted and full of fear.

I saw participating in the 2006 Run/Walk as a way to regain my physical strength. The inspiration I received that day gave me a belief that I, too, could survive. Even though I no longer live in New York City, I have walked both years since then, and I'm proud to have raised over $9,000 in three years. I am counting on being in New York this spring, when I hope to cross not only the finish line but also $10,000 in donations.

There is no question that the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women is a highlight of each year and of my life. Please consider joining me!

Kathy Bruns
Buffalo, NY

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When I was a vulnerable fourteen year old girl I tragically lost my father to brain cancer. My father had always been my superhero, my mentor and my utmost source of support. I learned how to honorably live my life merely by watching my father's ardor and kind heart at work. In watching him lose his horrific and graphic battle to cancer, I found myself having to relocate my own inner strength and rebuild my inner self due to the enormity of the pain the loss had caused me. As a volunteer within Dr. Alyson Moadel's Psychosocial Oncology Program at Albert Einstein, I was granted the gift of meeting individuals who understand and whom have overcome the heartache associated with cancer. Each of these guardian angels are individuals that collectively aided in healing my own spirit. I walk in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women because cancer broke my heart but it also led me to find the ways of putting it back together. I walk for every individual affected by cancer with the purest of intention to give back in any way that I can.

Allison Bondanza
New York City

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I walk because I watched cancer enter my home unexpectedly through my mother and it was the worst thing that ever happened. It came fast and without warning and destroyed life as I knew it. It lingered and it tried it's best to destroy us. It took every ounce of strength not just from my mother, but also from my entire family. It does not come and then quickly go. It is fought with many doctor's appointments, tests, surgeries, chemotherapy and more. It is not a battle, it is a WAR, and unless you maintain a strong spirit and faith and stand up to it with everything in you...it can win. I never want to be there again or see this happen to anyone. I never want someone to have to watch their mother's hair fall out. It is a horror. That is why I walk...because of those memories. I want to replace them with positive ones of winning the war against cancer, not losing it. I walk for my mom, my aunt, and myself. I walk for all of us! The only way to WIN is to beat cancer and find a CURE. To do that, we NEED to fight.

That is why my brother and I walk every year in the EIF Revlon/Run Walk For Women!

Melanie and Anthony Saraco

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Greetings from Scotland!... and Hello to Revlon Run/Walk, New York from Cathy McIntyre, Christine Craig and Cathy Salem.

We live in the West of Scotland and are involved in running a programme designed to support people with cancer and their families.

Last year we discovered the run/walk whilst surfing the internet and, with our friend Lynne, couldn't wait to join the cause. Our trip to New York was unforgettable. We walked and basked in friendship and glorious sunshine through Times Square and Central park with 40,000 united in a single cause!

We filmed the wonderful day to capture the experience for our group and when we returned home to Scotland the images and atmosphere proved truly inspirational.

In particular, the testimonies of those on-stage survivors gave hope and a healing sense of connection with others across continents. It's wonderful to know that, no matter the distance, we speak with the same voice and can support each other to keep on surviving...

We're back this year and so proud and privileged to join the Sisters & Survivors and Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center.

Thank you Revlon, New York... and sisters!

Cathy McIntyre, Christine Craig and Cathy Salem

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I walk for 2 main reasons; one being that I would like to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. I myself am an ovarian cancer survivor. In February 1997, I was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumor at the age of 22. I had a full hysterectomy and 9 weeks of chemotherapy. Here I am, 11 years later and healthy. I urge all women to visit their doctors regularly and listen to your bodies. They call ovarian cancer the cancer that whispers. The second reason I walk is to bring hope to those who are still fighting the battle. I had a great support group, but I know that others are not so lucky. I believe that seeing all the survivors and supporters who come out to join the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women really gives hope to us all.

Christine Pinos-Gumapac

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I participated in the EIF's Revlon Run/Walk for Women last May and it was a most incredible uplifting experience to be part of this event. To be among a huge amount of survivors and participants I can proudly say I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR!

Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. I survived with the love, help and support from my wonderful husband, family, friends and of course my Surgeon and Oncologist. I highly commend EIF and Revlon for their dedication and commitment to finding a cure for Cancer.

I will be raising money and walking again on May 2nd with my daughter and friends and know that I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Debra Karrel

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I'll be walking in the 2009 Revlon Run/Walk, as a three year survivor of breast cancer, to continue my personal "Crusade for a Cure." After a mastectomy, six months of chemo, Herceptin and my strong faith, I embarked on a mission to help others survive the emotional, physical and spiritual trauma of cancer. This walk raises funds and spirits on a grand scale, and I feel compelled to participate in even a small way to finding a cure and encouraging those women still battling cancer. My experience inspired me to create cancer recovery cards, Kimo Kards, to support cancer patients and their families nation-wide, with inspirational words especially created by survivors, for survivors.

Debbie Trujillo

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Celebrating Silver OVCA Anniversary

"I walk to support my sisters and show the world we survive and thrive!"

My name is Eileen Jackson, and on March 16, 1984, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was a naive and scared 27-year old who had a radical hysterectomy and faced two years of chemotherapy. Each year I celebrate the day of my diagnosis and the strength of being a survivor at the Run/Walk. This year I will proudly walk on May 2nd as a 25-year ovarian cancer survivor … I just might wear a silver feather boa! I walk to show the world that we survive and thrive through the hardest of times.

We've come a long way since 1984 and with the funds raised and those that continue to be raised [every penny, quarter and dollar helps] through the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women (this will be #12 for me), more research can be done and support provided through the beneficiaries, including Gilda's Club New York City, a free cancer support community, for which I am the team captain.

Join us on May 2nd for an experience you won't soon forget. Invite family and friends to get involved by either walking together (feel free to join the GCNYC team #80) or sponsoring you to walk.

Come out and join the fight!

Eileen Jackson
New York City

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My Name is Lisa Marie Fink Pilla. At 33, I am a Competitor, a Fighter and a very Determined Women. I have 18 month old Twins, a 3 year old Daughter and a 20 year old Step Daughter. Last November I was faced with the biggest challenge of my life. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer that has traveled to my lungs. I was also told that this was an incurable cancer. I have completed 25 rounds of chemo and the Doctors are astonished with how well I am doing.

Last year I walked in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women with Team Jersey, to Celebrate MY LIFE as a women who is kicking cancer square in the butt and SURVIVING. I saw more young women at the walk with signs on their backs that read, "Walking in Memory of My Mommy." It is now my life mission that my children will NEVER have to wear that sign. I am a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Friend and the most recent name I have added to my resume of life is SURVIVOR.

I WALK TO CELEBRATE MY LIFE.

Lisa Marie Fink Pilla
Dayton, OH

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"THE NEWS ISN'T GOOD". Those are the words no one wants to hear while waiting for results on your breast biopsy. But there they were. Shock! Disbelief! FEAR! With my family around me, we cried, we screamed and we shook. It was only the beginning of a long hard road...surgeries, chemo, losing breasts, losing hair and even sometimes losing my mind!! But I made it through. I made it thanks to a circle of family and friends who loved and cared for me. I made it thanks to Lucille, who took my hand and walked me down the path she knew so well, and we never let go. I made it thanks to the strides that have been made in finding a cure for this awful disease. I made it thanks to all those who walk to raise money to keep searching for a cure. And so I will walk for my own dear sister, daughter, nieces and friends, and hope that someday all they will ever hear is "THE NEWS IS GOOD."

Lucia Andreakos

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In June of 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to undergo a lumpectomy, have radiation treatment and take the drug, Tamoxifen. Only nine months later my sister Barbara was diagnosed as well and had the same procedure. Without our doctors, technicians, nurses, family, friends and the people that make the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women possible; my sister and I might not be here today! We are both so grateful to be healthy and alive!

Unfortunately, during my last routine mammogram I learned the fight was not over when the doctors saw a new cancer growing in the same breast. I tried to be calm as the tears rolled down my cheeks and I was informed I needed another biopsy. In my heart, I already knew the cancer was back again. To keep my spirits high, I just keep focusing on the upcoming birth of my first grandchild - "my inspiration," Isabella. And so grandma moves forward!

By participating in the Run/Walk we share a common goal helping to find a cure, so our mothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, girlfriends, wives and all women may never have to go through what I am going through.

And to all my "Sisters and Survivors," you are not alone...

Lucille Saraco
Bronx, NY

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My story begins with a persistent mother who badgered me relentlessly to get a mammogram. My family's story starts long before that... my paternal grandmother died at age 35 from breast cancer; my maternal grandmother died at age 63; and my maternal aunt died at age 50. My mother is a 7 year survivor. A doctor told my mother that I must get a mammogram before I turned 30. From the moment I turned 28, my mother was relentless in asking me if I scheduled an appointment for my mammogram. The bad news came on Friday, April 13th, a very unlucky day, and my breast cancer journey began. In a period of 10 days, I went from a single, twenty-something girl to a woman faced with too many difficult decisions to make. I have been participating in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk since 2003. On May 5, 2007, I walked for the first time as a woman with breast cancer. I will walk on May 3rd for the first time as a survivor with family and friends (team name: Valerie's Vamps), and we will walk to help bring to everyone's attention that YOUNG WOMEN CAN AND DO GET BREAST CANCER!

Valerie A. Miller

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