November 2009 Letter from Donna
Hello Everyone!
Well I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz by now. A government task force came out with a report yesterday suggesting that instead of having a first mammogram at 40, most women should wait until the age of 50. The panel went on to say that instead of the standard annual mammogram thereafter, most women should have the test every other year instead. Finally, the group said self breast exams were of no value and should not be encouraged. The reason? Too many unnecessary biopsies. Really? Apparently the benefits of earlier testing were considered statistically insignificant. Well, I guess that means me. I was diagnosed at the age of 38, first by self breast exam and then by mammogram. I had a very aggressive cancer. Yes, I had to deal with it more than once, but can you imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t found that cancer for 12 years? My guess is I wouldn’t be here running marathons with all of you, and raising my two beautiful children and living life with my wonderful husband. I’d love to hear from some of you other statistically insignificant folks with similar stories. I know there are many of you who feel your life or the lives of your love ones have been saved by mammography. I hate to sound cynical, but in a time when health care costs are in major question, I find the timing of this report to be especially disturbing. It sends a potentially harmful message to women who would welcome an excuse to close their eyes to what’s going on inside their bodies out of fear for what they might discover. Fear isn’t going to get us any closer to good health. I would strongly suggest, as do most doctors and advocacy groups, that women continue to follow the current guidelines. You can read more about screening from the Mayo Clinic in the body of this newsletter.
Ok, rant complete. The clear answer to all of this is to simply find the cure once and for all, right? So let’s keep running!
Only three months to go before I get to welcome you all back to Jacksonville Beach. I am so excited about our third annual race. It’s been wonderful connecting with so many of you over the past few years. Hearing your stories and your heart felt reasons for running has been a highlight for me. Please continue to share them with us both on our facebook page and in the Why I’m Running section of the website.
There’s a lot in this month’s newsletter. We had an incredible turnout for our inaugural Bike 26.2 With Donna. Thanks to all who came out on a spectacular blue sky day to help us finish breast cancer. It’s great to have you on board.
We are also unveiling our 2010 poster design. Our friend and artist Kurtis Loftus has outdone himself with this one. I think more than any poster we’ve had, this one truly captures the spirit of 26.2 With Donna. I remember back to last year’s expo, watching people wipe tears from their eyes as they wrote quotes on the large message boards that eventually made their way out to the beach portion of the run. Kurtis has used the one with the word ‘Love’ written in the middle as his centerpiece, with some of your messages and images of the race surrounding it.
It’s perfect, because I see love at the center of all we try to accomplish here. I can see it in the eyes of the people who run our race, and in the faces of those cheering them on. This race is personal for many of us. We may compete out there on the road, but there is a real sense that we are all in this together. Just looking at Kurtis’ work takes me back to race day and all the joy that goes with it.
I hope you feel the same way.
Our race registration numbers continue to break all records for our previous years. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to register early. If you haven’t yet registered, please take the time to do it soon. A race registration also makes a great Christmas gift! If you or someone you love is a golf fan, we’ve got another opportunity to help us finish breast cancer that will also get you onto one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. THE PLAYERS 5K with Donna is set for November 28th on the back nine of the Stadium Course at Sawgrass. This is home to THE PLAYERS Championship, and your race registration will also get you a pass to the final round of THE PLAYERS to watch the most exciting field in golf. Our limit on this race is 1,000 people and we almost sold out, so if you want to run or walk in this event, get your registration is now.
As always, this newsletter is jam packed with information for you so I’ll let you get to it. Happy training and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Donna
