Just Give Me a Reason

Last May, I ran in the 25th Avera Race Against Breast Cancer. I've been a runner since high school, but as I've gotten older, I'm more of a dilettante. I train for a race and then nothing. This year has not been an exception, but I do have good reason. I'm still recovering from a broken leg and the strength isn't there yet. This race was important to me because of what it's for-breast cancer has touched my life on many different levels.
The race funds many different programs-all of which remain local. Most breast cancer treatments cause alopecia or hair loss. The worst part? Most insurances won't cover wigs. The funds raised by the race give cancer patients wigs. They get hair, and believe it or not, it helps with healing. There is a sense of normalcy. I have several friends who have gone through treatment and they all said losing their hair was so traumatic. It was outward evidence that they had cancer. Having hair, even if it wasn't theirs gave them their dignity back.
Another program funded by the race is the Look Good Feel Better program, which teaches patients how to apply makeup and skin care treatments during their cancer journey. Skin changes due to various chemos and radiation therapy. In addition to losing the hair on your head, most of the time you also lose eyelashes, eyebrows...which contribute to looking different.
A cancer fitness program is also supported by race funds. Sometimes it goes to help patients to pay for medications they need but can't afford.
There are so many different ways this race benefits the community. I am in the midst of my training program for this year's race in May. Its hard to envision running outside, with snow on the ground and sub Arctic temperatures. But just give me a reason and I will.