In October 2003, when Sue was 46, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Her experience led her to start fundraising for Komen as a way to give back.
“I don’t want anybody else to have to go through what I went through,” Sue said. “It was a tough process. Losing your hair and dealing with treatment is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Helping Raise Funds for Komen
Since 2004, Sue, along with family and friends, has participated in numerous Komen events, including Walks and the 3-Day, helping raise nearly $100,000. “We had quite a few people walking with us to raise money for Komen, and we started doing that every year,” Sue explained. Sue began participating in 3-Day events in 2009, after her niece passed away from breast cancer.
In the following years, Sue has continued to participate in 3-Day events. What started as a fundraising event for Sue has grown into a close-knit community of fellow walkers. “The Twin Cities has a really robust group of 3-Day walkers,” Sue said. “When we traveled to San Diego last year, there were about 30 of us at the same airport gate. It felt like a reunion.”
A New Way to Support Komen
Earlier this year, Sue found another way to support Komen. She and her husband live in Minnesota but have started to spend their winters in Florida. “We realized we no longer needed two cars,” she said. “Rather than leave one car sitting unused in the garage, we decided to donate it to Komen.”
A friend of Sue’s family had already donated a car to Komen through the CARS vehicle donation program and shared with them how easy the process was. “He said it was easy, and he was right,” Sue said. After completing the paperwork online, Sue scheduled a pickup. Despite weather-related delays caused by a winter cold snap in Minnesota, the process was seamless.
“They came right to our driveway with a tow truck,” Sue said. “I signed over the title, they loaded the car and that was it. It was amazingly easy.” The proceeds from the vehicle donation helped support Sue’s fundraising efforts for upcoming 3-Day events in San Diego and Tampa.
“Komen does a wonderful job getting the word out about breast cancer and the importance of screening,” said Sue. “Any money we can raise goes toward a good cause. I would love for there to be a cure. That’s why I keep doing this.”
Learn more about donating your vehicle – whether it works or not – to Komen through the CARS vehicle donation program.
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 health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
