When the Susan G. Komen® Triangle Race for the Cure returned to North Carolina on Saturday, April 25, 2026, thousands gathered in celebration of its 30th anniversary. For Laura Wickwar, it marked a full-circle moment that began 35 years ago with her own breast cancer diagnosis.
A Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 31
After experiencing unexplained chest pain, Laura went to the emergency room. Doctors performed a battery of tests, including an EKG and mammogram.
“I had just turned 31 and hadn’t had a mammogram before,” she said. “All I remember from that day was the doctors telling me I needed to see an oncologist.”
After learning her chest pain was due to breast cancer, Laura also faced the reality that she was the third generation in her family to receive a diagnosis. She chose an aggressive treatment plan: a bilateral mastectomy followed by six months of chemotherapy. Treatment brought on significant side effects, but Laura was surrounded by a strong support system.
“My mother-in-law came to live with us and help take care of my daughter, who was 2 at the time,” she said. “I had a group of ladies pick me up and take me to my chemo appointments, and our neighbor Cathy was very supportive and helped a lot.”
Additionally, Laura’s husband, Dan, was a constant source of strength. “He’s always been there for me, from navigating my health care needs to keeping my spirits high with his wonderful sense of humor,” she said.
That experience and the support she received left a lasting impression.
Supporting Others Through Volunteer Work
In the years that followed, Laura found meaningful ways to give back. She volunteered through a local hospital, offering peer support to patients going through similar treatment experiences.
“Because I had already gone through it, they felt comfortable coming to me to ask questions about recovery and side effects,” she said.
Getting Involved with the Race for the Cure
Five years after her breast cancer diagnosis, Laura was working toward her master’s degree at NC State when she learned there were plans to bring the Race for the Cure to the area. It was another opportunity to continue supporting the fight against breast cancer.
“A woman who worked at the college and knew I was a survivor asked if I wanted to join the planning committee,” she said. “I didn’t really know what the Race was, but I was excited to take part in something so worthwhile. It was so powerful to see all the survivors together.”
Over the last 30 years, Laura has participated in the Race many times. Even during times when life pulled her in other directions, the connection she felt to the event never fully left. When she realized the 2026 event marked the Race’s 30th anniversary, she knew she had to be there.
“Here is something that I did 30 years ago, and it’s still happening,” she said. “I just thought, ‘I’m doing this,’ and I even convinced my daughter to join me.”
Returning to the Race for the Cure
On a beautiful Saturday morning in May, Laura and her daughter, Melanie, made their way to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the new venue for the Triangle Race for the Cure. At the Survivors Tent, she connected with fellow survivors and people living with metastatic breast cancer.
“There were three of us that were over 30 years out from our diagnoses,” Laura said. “There was one lady, she was 80, who was 50 years out. It was inspiring to see so many of us at different stages of survivorship.”
As the Race began, Laura and Melanie took off at a brisk walk. “She said she thought it was going to be a stroll,” Laura said. “I told her, ‘No, this isn’t a stroll – it’s a race.’ There were a lot of hills, but we finished in a little over an hour. When we finished, Melanie said, ‘We’ve got to train for this next year.’”
Throughout the day, Laura was reminded of what inspired her to join the planning committee for the Race 30 years ago. “I think I had forgotten how much this event meant to me,” she said. “You get so busy with life, work and other things, and forget how important these events are. I’m so glad I came back.”
Join a Race or Walk in Your Community
The Race for the Cure and MORE THAN PINK Walk are Komen’s signature programs that raise significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. With more than 40 events across the U.S. – including the virtual MORE THAN PINK Walk Where You Are – there is sure to be an event near you. To find a local Race or Walk event near you, visit komen.org/race.
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.
