Every spring since 1982, Anne Ashburn has laced up for Bloomsday, Spokane’s annual 12K race. For more than four decades, it’s been a constant in her life. In 2026, as she prepared for her 43rd Bloomsday, Anne decided she wanted to do more than simply cross the finish line. She wanted to make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer.
Choosing to Fundraise for Komen
With one daughter who had gone through treatment for breast cancer and a sister living with metastatic breast cancer, choosing a cause to support wasn’t difficult. Anne was already familiar with Komen after participating in the 3-Day years earlier. When she decided to fundraise through Bloomsday, she knew she wanted to support an organization she trusted.
“I wanted to make sure the money I raised was going to help support breast cancer research and patients,” she said. “Komen also provided me with hands-on support to answer my questions and helped me feel comfortable using the fundraising tools.”
A New Challenge – with Support Along the Way
Although Anne had fundraised for Komen before, creating a DIY breast cancer fundraiser was a new experience. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but Tisho Jessop, director of community fundraising programs for Komen, was there to guide her through the process.
“I’m 83 years old, and technology isn’t always easy for me,” Anne said. “Tisho answered all my questions and was so patient through the process. She was an incredible help.”
More than Crossing the Finish Line
After setting up her DIY fundraiser, Anne emailed and texted friends and family her fundraising link and explained why she was fundraising to end breast cancer. With a new purpose behind her 43rd Bloomsday, she also wanted to make sure she was prepared to cross the finish line.
“I try to stay active – I walk, play tennis and pickleball,” Anne said. “Since I was raising money this year, I did a little more training because I wanted to be very successful. When we got the results from my age group of women, I came in fifth.”
Anne was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she received from her community. By the time her fundraiser ended, she surpassed her fundraising goal of $2,000, turning her Bloomsday experience into more than a personal accomplishment.
“Anytime I do Bloomsday, I feel successful,” she said. “But to know that I could do this and raise this money meant more to me than I possible could have imagined.”
Start Your Own DIY Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Inspired by Anne’s story? Komen’s DIY Fundraising empowers you to choose where, when and how to raise money to support the fight to end breast cancer. With a variety of tools and resources, it’s easier than ever to make a meaningful impact. To learn more or start your own breast cancer fundraiser, visit www.komen.org/fundraise.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
