The race is on

Luis Pena

The drizzle and the clouds on Sunday morning didn’t stop more than

27,000 runners and walkers and 10,000 volunteers, friends and family

from attending the 12th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at

Fashion Island.

Nancy Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

more than 20 years ago as a promise to her dying sister to fight

breast cancer.

“As always, it’s exciting because we have thousands and thousands

of people here,” said Aletha Anderson, president of the Orange County

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “We hope to raise over $1

million which last year we netted $1.4 million. Of that money 75

percent stayed in Orange County.”

The money that is raised by the Race for the Cure pays for

community grants, treatment grants, breast cancer screenings,

education and free mammograms and treatment for women who don’t have

insurance, Anderson said.

The most emotional part of the day was the survivor tribute, which

was a celebration of women who have beaten breast cancer.

Jane Hill said that 12 years ago, she was one of the youngest ones

at the race, at age 37, but that now that has changed.

“I have a few more wrinkles, a few less curves, and I am still

very thrilled to be here, because as a survivor, we see each day and

each year as a gift,” Hill said.

The moment wasn’t so somber, because laughter is also used to

fight this terrible disease.

“These survivors have overcome great odds with their

determination, perseverance. Do we happen to have any gubernatorial

candidates up here with us?” Hill asked.

“I found that humor can help provide a better perspective on

everything and help in my healing process and in many others,” Hill

said. “Sometimes we cry, and sometimes we laugh, like the time I was

in the swimming pool and didn’t realize that my prostheses was

buoyant until it went floating by me.”

Hill asked all of the survivors who were on the steps of the

Pacific Life building with their pink shirts and caps, which

designated them as survivors of breast cancer, to stand up and told

them that they are not alone.

As they stood with their pink flowers raised, Phil Collins’ song

“You’ll Be In My Heart” was played. Tears came from many of the

breast cancer survivors as they rocked back and forth together while

white doves were released.

Barbara Tate, 70, from Newport Beach has attended the race since

its inception. She had breast cancer 27 years ago.

“I think, ‘ho-hum,’ until I get here,” Tate said. “Then my heart

is filled to the top, and I cry,” Tate said.

Jeanne Brownell, 64, from Newport Beach had breast cancer 16 years

ago.

“Every time I come here, I am reminded of the community of people

that care about each other and that the whole message is hope, and

that’s what this is all about is hope,” Brownell said.

Betsy Tarbell, 67, Newport Beach was diagnosed with cancer three

years ago and has gotten leukemia because of the drugs that were

given to her to fight breast cancer.

“Its very inspirational, and it shows you that we need to

celebrate life,” Tarbell said.

Several classmates of Andrea Collins, a Mater Dei High School who

died this year, at age 16, from breast cancer, participated in the

event in memory of her.

“[Collins is] an inspiration to most of the Mater Dei runners out

here today,” said Robert Marienthal of Costa Mesa.

“I really didn’t know her, but the fact that she was part of my

school and that she died, that still affected me and everyone around

her and everyone at Mater Dei High School, so I just want to help

people out so that no one else will die from breast cancer,” said

Kyle Woods of Corona Del Mar.

Hill called the breast cancer survivors amazing people.

“As you look into the eyes and hearts of these warriors here, you

will see some of the most awesome, gutsy, proactive, driven, humble,

determined, down-to-earth and take-charge women and men that I have

ever met,” Hill said.

* LUIS PENA is the news assistant and may be reached at (949)

574-4298 or by e-mail at luis.pena@latimes.com.