Patti Cohen's story

The day of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was scary for me. I had no idea what to expect. I had never been part of anything like this before. It had only been 3 weeks since my double mastectomy, and as much as I wanted to be there, I wasn't sure how I would feel.

A woman my husband works with got some of her friends together and created a team for me. She called it Team Patti. When my friends and co-workers heard about it, they all wanted to be a part of it. Then the parents of the children I teach got involved. Then my children's friends became a part of it. Our team grew to 30. We raised over $1400.00. It was truly amazing.

As we all got together, some to walk and some to race, I felt a feeling of such strength. I looked at all the survivors in pink. I felt that maybe there was a reason that all this happened to me. I was now a part of a group of women who either went through this whole ordeal or were like me and just starting. It was so inspirational and overwhelming. My family was by my side. I knew at that moment I would get through whatever was ahead of me.

As we started on our walk, hundreds of people were applauding us. They were cheering us on. It was amazing. I walked with a flat chest, pink shirt and a pink hat. I walked with pride.

At the end of the race was a ceremony for the survivors, I was not sure if I wanted to stay for it, but decided I would. I am so glad that I did. It was wonderful. I walked to the bleachers with survivors just like me. All of sudden, I was struck with what the whole day was about. Music was playing, we were given roses, and as I sat down on the bleachers, I started to cry. A woman sat down next to me and hugged me, as if to say, I know exactly how you feel.

I know now that this is something my family and myself will do every year. It is now a part of us, and we will be a part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure every year for the rest of our lives!

-Patti Cohen