Ways to Help

Run to Raise Consciousness and Funds
Join the Terry Fox five-mile run or 1 1/2 mile walk at Alki Beach park on October 3, 1999 to benefit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The race is held in memory of Terry Fox, who lost his leg and eventually his life to cancer. Terry attempted a run across Canada after losing his leg in an effort to raise money and public awareness for cancer research. After running for 144 days, Terry learned the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died in 1981, but his memory lives on. The Terry Fox Race continues to be held annually throughout the United States and Canada. To register or for more information, call 206.287.4027.

Life Possibilities
Seattleite Lisa Morgan plans to ride her bike around the world and raise $1 million for breast cancer research. Beginning January 1, 2000, Lisa will pedal 20,000 miles across 45 countries for 366 days in honor of her friend Sally Morris, who died of breast cancer last year. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. For more information and to support Lisa's efforst, call 206.667.4902 or visit the web site.

Upcoming Events

Seattle Repertory theatre benefit performance of "Wit"
October 13
The Rep and the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research will cohost a performance of the Pulitzer Prize winning play about a woman's struggle to come to terms with her ovarian cancer diagnosis. The evening includes a hearty buffet dinner, the performance and a post production dessert reception with the director and cast. Tickets, $250, are available at 206.443.2210. Proceeds benefit the Rivkin Center and The Rep.

The Bon Marche is featuring several activities in October during their "Think Pink" Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Every time you purchase a Bon gift card this month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Comprehensive Breast Center at Providence Seattle Medical Center and to the American Cancer Society. Donations will also be made for each Bon charge account transaction and newly activated Bon charge account opened during the month of October.

Women's Wellness Luncheon
April 18, 2000
Since 1996, this event has brought together women and men in our community who are interested in learning more about preventing and treating breast cancer, the state-of-the-art services offered by the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center and a celebrity guest speakeršs personal story of triumphing over cancer. Past speakers have included Linda Ellerbee and Peggy Fleming. For information, call 206.320.2500.

Annual Swedish SummeRun
August, 2000
10K/5K run/walk with all proceeds benefiting the Marsha Rifkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research Contact the Swedish Foundation office at 206.386.2738 for details.


TEXT BY KATHLEEN F. MILLER.

Survivor Stories

Beatrice Elder
When Beatrice Elder was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 she was devastated. A single mother, she was beside herself with worry about her future and that of her young daughter. "For a while there, I didn't handle it well," recalls Elder. "I was afraid I was going to die."

Today Elder is back at work, her cancer in remission. She remembers that her attitude about her illness began to change when she met with her doctor, Dr. Henry Kaplan of Swedish Medical Center. "He had a plan and he explained everything to me," says Elder. "I began to realize that I had options, that I didn't have to be a victim of the disease."

She also credits the support she gained from the Swedish Tumor Institute's breast cancer support group. In the end, she says, breast cancer made her realize just how brave she is. "In some ways, having cancer has enriched my life. I know what's important now and I thank God every day that it was not worse than it was —that I'm still here." And she focuses on her what matters most in her life, "I have one goal now, to live and take care of my daughter. As time goes on, my hope grows stronger about that. Every day is a gift."

Mary Anne Madsen
In 1995 during a family vacation to Hawaii, Mary Ann Madsen discovered a lump in her breast. Upon her return from the vacation, the 49-year-old mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy, re-construction and chemotherapy.

"After surviving breast cancer, I decided I wanted to change fields," she says. "In the spring of 1997, I changed jobs within Virginia Mason, where I had worked for 25 years, to the Mammography department. Eventually, I was promoted to supervisor."

In addition to her work in the mammography department, Mary Ann spends time talking with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. "My biggest message to them is we can survive! I was bald but now I am full of energy and have a great head of hair."

She also finds time to volunteer. "I am on the Puget Sound Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In October, I am going to California to participate in a 55 mile walkathon called the AVON'S Breast Cancer 3-Day."

She anticipates the future. "I am looking forward to the year 2000 when I reach that magic fifth year, when I'll be considered a survivor of my battle with breast cancer."

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