Honorary Survivors Further the Komen Mission

Each year the Central Indiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recognizes one survivor of breast cancer as the Race for the Cure® Honorary Survivor. This individual serves as a speaker and representative of the organization throughout the year at community programs, annual Affiliate events such as Pink Tie Ball, and serves as leader of the Pink Parade at Race for the Cure®.

Entries for the Honorary Survivor are collected each Fall. The winner is chosen by a committee for their ability to bring an educational message to the community. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2011 Honorary Survivor. The deadline for application is October 15th. (Submit your nomination now)

Donna Minnick

“Research is making miraculous advances in treatment options”

donna_minnick“Breast cancer didn’t kill me; it gave me life,” said Donna, the 2010 Honorary Survivor. Donna is a 40-year breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at age 29 when the word “cancer” was difficult to even talk about let alone diagnose, treat and survive. As a wife and mother of two young children, she was suddenly confronted with life and death issues. However, because of all of the experiences, feelings, emotions, unanswered questions and challenges she faced, she began to ‘live’ rather than ‘exist.’ “I began to cherish people, experiences, challenges and everyday living.” Donna is an extraordinary woman. A woman who points to a 15” scar that runs from her armpit to her waist, Donna represents how far we’ve come in terms of treatment. A woman who has no major or minor pectoral muscles and limited physical strength, yet has climbed mountains, rappels, hikes and camps – she represents hope.

Adrienne Harlow Siddons

“A woman at any age can get breast cancer”

adrienne_harlow_2009_raceAdrienne, the 2009 Honorary Survivor, was like any other college student when, during the summer between her freshman and sophomore years, she discovered by accident a lump in her breast. She saw four different doctors and was misdiagnosed twice. One doctor told her “I don’t know what it is but it’s not breast cancer. You’re too young”. While some women diagnosed worry about seeing their children graduate, Adrienne worried about whether she would graduate. Despite rigorous treatments, the Purdue University student continued her classes and even made honors! She continues to speak to young women across the state letting them know that you are never too young for breast cancer. On Saturday, July 10, 2010, Adrienne was married in her pink wedding gown, while all the guests donned Pink Ribbons.

Nadia Miller

“Minority women are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer”

portrait_NadiaNadia, Honorary Survivor for 2009, was only 28 years old with a 2 year old daughter when she found a 1 centimeter lump in her breast. Her first thought was that she was going to die. Her diagnosis cam less than two years since the loss of her sister to the disease. Breast cancer was no stranger to her family. In addition to her sister, two aunts and her grandmother had been diagnosed. She knew what cancer treatment looked like. After finding that she carried the BRCA gene, she had the second breast removed as a preventive measure. “If you want to be here, this is what you’ll do. If you want to gamble on your life, you’ll wait to see what happens.” She wasn’t willing to take that chance.

Cindy Day

“Early detection isn’t an option, it’s a requirement”

portrait_cindy-dayCindy, the 2008 Honorary Survivor is a stage IV metastatic breast cancer survivor. Her exceptional courage, zest for life and contagious sense of humor inspired all who meet her. She has been too busy creating memories with her family and friends and making a difference in the lives of other breast cancer survivors to let her disease stop her. Cindy wants everyone to know that with early detection and improved treatment methods, most people diagnosed with breast cancer can look forward to long term survival rates of 97 percent. However, this can also put us at risk of becoming too complacent. This fight is far from over! We cannot forget those diagnosed with the more rare forms of breast cancer.

Sheri Acquisto

“Finding a cure will ensure no child loses their mother”

portrait_sheri-acquistoSheri, the 2007 Honorary Survivor, was thinking about the upcoming Christmas holidays, her two year old son and the possibility of having another child, when she went for her annual exam. The doctor found a lump and referred her for further diagnosis. Six days before Christmas she received the call that she had breast cancer. She told her son that she had a “boo-boo” but that the doctors would make Mommy all better. When she lost her hair due to the chemo, she told her son that “she was tired of having hair”. Instead of being afraid, he helped her pick out her scarves and hats. She decided that cancer was not going to beat her. It had messed with the wrong person – she had too much left to do. When she found that she has the gene that puts her at high risk for cancer in her other breast, she had a preventive mastectomy. She said “you don’t mess with a mom.”

Cindi Hart

“A diagnosis of breast cancer won’t keep you from adventure”

portrait_cindy_hartCindy, the first Honorary Survivor, is a registered nurse, a competitive bike racer, ice speed skater and head coach for the team USA Special Olympics World Winter games in Japan and wasn’t about to let her surprise diagnosis of breast cancer get in the way of her life. Twenty six of her 27 athletes brought home medals. Throughout her treatment she continued to race, winning the state championship 2 days after her second round of chemo and winning the National championships 18 days after her last treatment. She tells that of all the medals she has, her most prized possession is the survivor medal she received at the Race for the Cure as she took her place in the Pink Parade with the other one year survivors!