Survivors

Producer, Director, Camera, Editor: Sy J. Abudu
Second Camera: Alaura Martucci

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has been in the forefront of the breast cancer movement for over 27 years. The organization has changed how the world deals with and talks about this devastating disease. One of Komen for the Cure’s many accomplishments has been helping to transform millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of all the cancer survivors in the country, the 2.3 million breast cancer survivors represent the largest group of survivors of any kind of cancer in the United States — a living testament to the power of society and science to save lives.

Although we anticipate and applaud the tremendous medical and scientific advances in the fight, sometimes the best therapy is the knowledge that we are not alone in this fight. Together we can make a difference.

As a survivor, we hope you participated in the 2009 New York City Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 13, 2009. For many people, especially survivors, taking part in the event surrounded by many friends running or walking beside you every step of the way is a very powerful experience.

We had a memorable survivor program in Survivor Village over a light pre-Race breakfast, featuring the presentation of the annual Survivor Award to Jeanne Murtaugh, two-time breast cancer survivor and long-time supporter of Komen Greater NYC, and Co-Survivor Award to Gary Rivenson, who dropped everything to see his then-girlfriend through her diagnosis and treatment and then married her on the night she finished treatment. The program was hosted by CBS 2’s Dana Tyler and also included remarks from Komen Greater NYC CEO Dara Richardson-Heron, MD. Komen Ambassador and Circle of Hope spokesperson Gabrielle Union, and Komen Board member and Race Chair Iris Dankner. Om Yoga also provided a short yoga warm-up designed especially for survivors.

After the Race, survivors returned to Survivor Village and received complimentary massages from therapists from the R.E.S.T. Initiative and Oasis Day Spa.

If you were unable to participate this year, we hope you will register and be a part of the 20th anniversary of the Komen NYC Race for the Cure. Registration will open on May 3, 2010.