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Race for the Cure: Survivors Battle for Courage and Hope

By Kacey Drescher

Story Created: May 21, 2011 at 8:51 PM MDT

Story Updated: May 21, 2011 at 11:28 PM MDT

The 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure brought out thousands in support of breast cancer awareness today in Helena.

“It pulls at your heart because for this many people to come just because of something I have, it could help me down the road, it’s just so fantastic,” says breast cancer survivor Pat Daignault of Bozeman.

Within the sea of pink, behind the over 4,000 participants, behind every tribute and celebration there's a story.

“I have a little sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28 she is now a two-time survivor,” says Pam Stanczak, running in support of her sister Kimberly.

“I am a breast cancer survivor,” says another survivor tailgating with her loved ones.

“It doesn’t seem possible that a year has gone by and here I am,” says Sue Garrison. NewsChannel 5 brought you the story of “Sue’s Crew” earlier this week. Sue’s husband Todd single-handedly brought together about 40 of Sue’s loved ones and even flew in their four children from out of town for the big day. Sue underwent a major surgery last year and is in the middle of a five-year treatment program.

As tennis shoes pound the pavement and almost $150,000 is raised for breast cancer awareness, treatment and education, the community isn’t just racing for a cure; they’re racing for survival, courage and hope.

“I’ve only been a survivor for six months but to see them, for forty-some years, twenty years, it’s just, to talk to these ladies that have been through this, it gives me so much hope that I will survive,” adds Daignault.

It’s a battle no one wants to be faced with but for the over 325 survivors honored today they say love and support keeps them going. “Many of us have been touched by breast cancer and it’s been in our families and it’s been in our neighbors and it’s touched everybody and so it’s important that we continue to research,” says Donna Hampton, a participant in today’s festivities.

“Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence, it can be a way of survival, I need to celebrate more birthdays and enjoy life to the fullest,” says breast cancer survivor, Maria Goebel.

This year’s winners were:

5K - Dan Sullivan.
Female winner - Dani Shahan.
First survivor to cross the 5K line - Cori Wellingstine. Also in the 5K, the second survivor was Barb Melton.
First survivor to cross 1K line - Judy Trevor.

Donations can still be made on-line until June 6th.

The Top Fundraisers for the event were:
1. Top Overall Fundraiser, Survivor Diane Bertrand - $2,445.
2. Todd Garrison - $1,875 ("Sue’s Crew")
3. Jen Phelan - $1,135
4. Tammy Swamby - $1,050

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