Race Story: A Man Who Loves His Wife

A Man Inspired By His Wife

By John Binkley

I am a 51 year old male married to a 51 year old miracle.  My darling bride was diagnosed in October 2008, had surgery the day before Thanksgiving, got up the next day and cooked a great meal despite everyone’s protest.  She never missed a day of work through chemo or radiation, though she didn’t feel well enough to run in last year’s Race.

This year, my wife Robin, my 15 year old son Austin, my 25 year old daughter Ashley and I did get to walk in the Race.

I was there to honor not only my bride but all of the survivors as well.  I have never met anyone with courage or grace than the ladies I have encountered through this journey with my wife.  I attended all of her chemo sessions and talked with the ladies receiving treatments also.  Their dignity and poise are inspirational.

I was there to honor my wife for her courage to present herself in public when she was losing her hair and asked me to shave it off, then went about her business completely bald.

I was there to honor my wife because she would see another woman, obviously in treatment or another woman would notice her and ask “Are you a survivor”.

I was there to honor this sisterhood.

I have traveled the world in the course of my business and being a veteran in my younger years, but I have never experienced anything remotely as powerful as the emotions I felt and saw April 17^th.  The outpourings of love I saw from everyone were truly incredible.  My heart filled with pride as I watched my wife walk in the Pink Parade.

I participated because I wanted my bride to know just how inspirational and amazing she is. But, the amazing thing is, I felt as though I had received a gift just by being there.

Do you have a story to share about why you support Susan G. Komen for the Cure? We’d love to hear your story today. Submit it to info@komenindy.org.