Susan G. Komen South Florida honors eight Warriors in Pink for the Race for the Cure every year. Warriors in Pink is a program supported nationally by Ford Motor Company recognizing women who live by the credo of taking charge, living out loud, harnessing power and standing together.
“Every one of our Warriors is an example of what it means to be More Than Pink™,” said Dayve Gabbard, executive director of Susan G. Komen South Florida. “They take action, raise funds and get involved to help us meet our Bold Goal of reducing U.S. breast cancer deaths by 50% in the next decade.”
Nancy Brinker, 33-year survivor (Palm Beach resident)
Nancy is named a Komen South Florida Warrior every year as the founder of Susan G. Komen. Her journey began with a simple promise to her dying sister “Suzy” that she would do everything possible to end the shame, pain, fear and hopelessness caused by this disease. In one generation, the organization that bears Susan's name has changed the world. There is no one who exemplifies More Than Pink than Nancy Brinker.
Her message to our Warriors and all our supporters is this: “I am beyond grateful to you for your ongoing commitment to the promise that I made to my sister so many years ago. Unfortunately, Suzy lost her battle with breast cancer, but thanks to your continued support, others won’t. And together, we can make a difference. Together, we can and will achieve a world without breast cancer.”
Liisa Spinello, 9-year survivor (North Palm Beach resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/1480ez2cilth29y/Liisa.jpg?dl=0
After her second lumpectomy in 2007, Liisa had lunch at Tiki in Riviera Beach, not realizing it was the same day as the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure. Every table in the restaurant was filled with race participants in their Komen T-shirts. A group of women invited her to sit with them and they listened to her story.
“They completely surrounded me with love, support, and hope,” said Liisa. “It was amazing. They introduced me to other survivors at various tables. I left that day with a renewed strength to continue my fight through surgeries number three and four in my battle against breast cancer.”
In the decade since, she has become More Than Pink by returning the love, support and hope she found that day at Tiki by counseling breast cancer patients, volunteering for Susan G. Komen South Florida and leading her Race for the Cure team, the Pink Angels. You’ll find them on January 28th by their bright fuchsia wigs!
Mari Hoover McGarry, 6-year survivor (Boynton Beach resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/315t76vldwnyk3u/Mari2.jpg?dl=0
Mari Hoover McGarry marked a milestone in her breast cancer recovery when she walked the 2011 Race for the Cure the same week she finished her radiation treatments. She was wiped out, but had something to prove. She was still here, still able to help others and show to the world that “you just can’t sit there.” With her team of twelve behind her, she walked the entire 5K route.
Six years later, you’ll find Mari serving again as the captain of the “Warriors and Survivors” Race team on January 28th. It’s a name she bears proudly on her left arm as a beautiful tattoo surrounded by pink cherry blossoms to honor her victory over breast cancer.
You’ll also find Mari and her extremely supportive and loving husband David—both of them nurses—manning the first aid booth at the Race. Since 2012, she and David have shown they are More Than Pink by taking charge of the tent and doing what they do so well; caring for others.
Linda Daniels, 18-year survivor (Juno Beach resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/3g8n467pdehg7p2/Linda%20Daniels.jpg?dl=0
Linda’s first Race for the Cure after her diagnosis in 1998 was in Baltimore, Maryland. She cried the entire 5K through the rain and cold, but she felt that she had to do it and be with other people who understood. Fast-forward nearly two decades, and she now proudly oversees the Race for the Cure’s Mission Tent, hosting multiple organizations offering life-saving information. Linda offers those she meets the same assurance she found at her first Race. “A lot of survivors within that five-year period get encouragement from seeing someone 18 years out. They need hope.”
Linda’s commitment as a volunteer isn’t just once a year at the Race. Over the last seven years, she has volunteered countless hours at the affiliate’s office. In recognition of her More Than Pink efforts, she has earned the “Extra Mile Award” not once, but twice. “When you are fortunate enough to be able to give back, you have to do it with an organization you believe in.”
Loren McGuire , 4-Year Survivor (Jupiter resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/3cujyy7pwybaxxo/Loren%20McGuire.jpg?dl=0
At 20, Loren McGuire learned that she had the BRCA2 gene mutation and was at increased risk for breast cancer. It wasn’t a huge surprise as her mother, three aunts and a cousin all had breast cancer in their 30s and the gene mutation was in the family. The surprise came at 28 when doctors had a hard time believing someone so young could have breast cancer and didn’t respond to her with a sense of urgency. Loren told them, “I want this done now, and I want this done right.”
It’s a self-advocacy message she takes out to the community when she tells her story publicly on behalf of Komen to urge others to take care of their breast health. “You have to advocate for yourself and know that early detection saves lives.”
On Race day, this More Than Pink survivor will be walking with her team of family members, reminded of the words her mother spoke to her that first year after diagnosis: “Now you’re a survivor, so we’re going to walk the walk together.”
Melanie Hill, 2-year survivor (Palm Beach resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ksv5yn4cuehbmy8/Melanie.jpg?dl=0
Before Melanie Hill was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2014, she wasn’t a big fan of the color pink. But after her diagnosis the day before her 58th birthday and the outpouring of support she has had for “Team Melanie”—180 strong—she is now sold on being More Than Pink.
“Seeing Komen’s pink ribbon everywhere makes me happy that people realize it’s an ongoing battle and they’re working together to end it.” Melanie is one of those people. She fought her cancer with her no-nonsense style, fast-tracking her surgery and then turning to the Race for the Cure to do what she could for others. She’s made it a multi-day event for her supporters, hosting a registration party the Thursday before at her Kofski Antiques warehouse, and inviting her entire team for brunch after the event.
On Race day, you’ll recognize “Team Melanie” by their hats with the lion logo—a wink to Melanie’s astrological sign and a symbol of her incredible courage.
Tanzanika Lillard, 1-Year Survivor (West Palm Beach resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/rjna4x1ocuw90fy/Tanzi2.jpg?dl=0
For Tanzanika Lillard, going through breast cancer as a young, African American woman felt like an isolated experience. She had the loving support of her mother, step-father and daughter—her “strength through it all”—but at age 36, she couldn’t find any other women who looked like her. She didn’t find them in support groups and she didn’t find pictures of their reconstructed breasts in her plastic surgeon’s office. But in her mission to be More Than Pink, she hopes that by serving as a Warrior, other young, African American women will come forward and join her in supporting others.
“Seeing other women who looked like me would have been a tremendous help. I’m hoping to be that inspiration by sharing my story.”
Tanzanika credits Dr. John Rimmer for getting her through the toughest times. He held her hand through every appointment, gave her confidence through chemo and made sure her other doctors provided the best care. “He and his team were there for me every step of the way.”
Jill Weiss, 8-year survivor (Palm Beach Gardens resident) Photo - https://www.dropbox.com/s/1wqj34fse34tkog/Jill.jpg?dl=0
Attorney Jill Weiss fought her breast cancer the same way she handles her court cases. Always be prepared. Challenge assumptions. And expect the unexpected.
“While you can’t control whether or not you will get the disease, you can control and make good choices about your treatment and doctors,” she advises.
As someone who initially did not want to speak publicly about her breast cancer journey, she has now seen the importance of being More Than Pink. “If I can get through to one person about the benefits of early detection and that you are your own best advocate, I’m good with that.” As the current Vice Chair of Susan G. Komen South Florida, she’s on her way to reaching many, many more through her leadership.
If you’re looking for Jill on Race day, you will most likely find her at the finish line cheering people on. “It’s very emotional. That 5K could be a 5,000K. Crossing the finish line is a sense that I can and I did conquer cancer.”
Be More Than Pink! Register for the January 28, 2017 Race for the Cure at www.komensouthlflorida.org/raceand help save lives in Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties.
