Surviving breast cancer: ‘The Komen Foundation saved my life’

Holly Hatch is a former editor of OFM.

Tell us a bit about your personal journey through breast cancer.

I like to call my journey “out with the old, in with the new.” I put everything in God’s hands. To have Him to lead and guide me. I knew I had no control over this thing that had invaded my body. So I took it one day at a time. I chose doctors that I trusted and did all I could do to improve my chances of survival. The rest was in God’s hands. My support system of my partner, Gina, and my friends was strong. I met many people along the way that I can now count as friends, also.

From day one, Susan G. Komen Foundation stepped in. I never had to worry about how I was going to pay for my medical costs. I also learned that they helped fund many of the foundations that helped me with my everyday living expenses. The freedom from those stresses I will always believe helped in my fight for survival. They were and always will be my “angels in pink.”

In 2010, I signed up with my partner to do the Race for the Cure in Denver. On September 27, 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On October 3, 2010, I walked in my first Race for the Cure. And did so again on October 2, 2011, and will walk again on October 7, 2012. I am now cancer-free as of June 10, 2011. It is a joy and privilege to be able to give back in some way to the organization that helped to save my life.

From the beginning to the end of my cancer journey, they were there. Thank you, Komen Denver, for all you have done for me.

What helped you to never give up hope during your battle to defeat breast cancer?

The peace that I felt in my heart that I felt from the Lord. I felt him with me every day, in every decision that I had to make. He walked with me through this life-changing journey. And still does.

What was the most important thing you learned during your battle with breast cancer?

Nothing is impossible. The number of lives that are affected. And you still can find reasons to laugh, enjoy your life and find strength in others.

Tell us about your family’s and friends’ journey.

We all became one in this battle. The support that I experienced from old and new friends was humbling.

What advice would you give to other women?

Don’t let the word “cancer” scare you. Stay positive. Be strong. Stare it down.

Race for the Cure:

The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to providing access to breast cancer care for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Our mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Seventy-five percent of net funds raised by Komen Denver stay in Colorado to provide breast cancer screening and treatment to uninsured individuals and the remaining 25 percent funds research.

The LGBT population faces more barriers to breast health care than the heterosexual population including lack of LBGT competent providers, fear of coming out to providers and inability to access insurance through a partner. Additionally behaviors, such as binge drinking or not getting annual mammograms, increases one’s risk of being diagnosed or diagnosed at a later stage. To help increase awareness, the Affiliate has a LGBT Committee that focuses on bringing important breast cancer messages to our community, with efforts ranging from doctor education to increasing community outreach and employee engagement.

There are many ways to personally decrease your risk. Know your family health history, get screened, find a doctor with whom you are comfortable asking difficult questions, and help bring information and awareness to those in your life that can benefit from it. Looking for ways to get involved with Komen Denver?

1 Join the Race for the Cure on October 7.

2 Visit the Komen Denver Race for the Cure website to register at www.Komendenver.org/race.

3 Become a volunteer. Sign-up for a volunteer training session by contacting Rhianon at RSchuman@komendenver.org.