This Week of Loss is an Important Reminder

This week is a week of significant loss and remembrance of several amazing celebrities and role models - Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. All distinct causes, yet equally riveting and providing us with a reminder of our own mortality.

When I was diagnosed at age 29 with breast cancer the reality of the disease's potential impact to my life and family's future was a startling experience. We were blessed to have the opportunity to take advantage of many new treatment options - 2 of which my oncologist regularly associates with my survivorship. It is so important to support and continue making strides with cancer research and treatment options. This is a primary goal of the Susan G Komen organization.

This year Susan G Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure will incorporate some of the race's fund-raising efforts towards providing treatment options to uninsured and/or under served men and women. I applaud their support of those in need. I have seen first hand the expense of cancer treatments. I cannot imagine not having insurance and making treatment decisions based on cost versus potential outcome.

Recently a friend made me aware of some new research break throughs. Take a look at this article (not associated with the Susan G Komen organization) and let me know your thoughts:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31512315/ns/health-womens_health/

Cheers to survivorship,

Tara

Finding Time to Fund Raise

As a survivor I feel compelled to participate in Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, in honor of those who have lost their lives and in celebration of the survivors.

Every year I am asked the question, "how do you find time to have a race team and fund raise?" I am certainly busy, working full-time with a husband, toddler and two dogs; things can get a little crazy at our house.

My answer..."I don't know." I don't really think about it, I just do it.

So many of us are busy, and not just busy but really swamped! So how do you find time participate and fund raise for Susan G Komen Race for the Cure?

Here are a few suggestions to help get you started with this year's Susan G Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure:

1.) Register online in advance of race day and you can skip the lines!

2.) Join a team or pair up with a buddy

• This is a like exercise - having someone else to keep you in check helps a lot!

3.) Don't be afraid to ask for support from friends or family

• You never know how much support you will receive until you ask
• People get busy and forget, it is OK to remind friends and family of your race participation

4.) Set a goal for your fundraising efforts

• Come up with a challenging, yet achievable amount
• Focus your efforts around this goal

5.) Participate in the celebratory aspects of race day

• Enjoy the post race festivities
• Involve yourself in the moment and the feeling of community created amongst all of the race participants

Have suggestions or tips for fund raising and making the most out of the race day, respond with your thoughts and feedback.

Cheers to survivorship,

Tara

From ESPN.com: Breast cancer survivor inspires community

Breast cancer survivor inspires community

By Joe Bush

Special to ESPNRISE.com
Updated: June 13, 2009, 7:11 PM ET

Amy Brechon, a 17-year-old senior and a volleyball and soccer player at Belvidere (Ill.) North High, recently got the go-ahead from her doctors to decrease her twice-yearly checkups -- which make sure her breast cancer has not returned -- to just once per year.

"They think I'm in the clear," Brechon says.

To read the entire article http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/news/story?id=4250577

2009 Race for the Cure, the Journey Begins!

Hello Milwaukee!

This is the beginning of many reoccuring blog entries in support of this year's Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 27th. When Susan G Komen Milwaukee asked me to host this year's blog I was excited to get started knowing the level of impact this race has every year on Survivors, Co-Survivors and all of the very supportive participants and contributors to this great cause.

I will be posting at least once a week, keeping you all informed of my journey towards this year's race, as well as touching on key topics of interest to survivors, co-survivors and supporters of this cause. As a young survivor of breast cancer, I am especially honored to help in this cause knowing this year's race theme: "Imagine a Life Without Breast Cancer," this is a dream we can all hold very dear to our heart.

Feedback, survivor and co-survivor stories, as well as questions and concerns are welcomed - so please respond to my posts. I thank you in advance for joining me in my 2009 Race for the Cure Journey!

Cheers to survivorship,

Tara Jensen

Your best defense, is a good defense!

Are you at risk for breast cancer?

Do you know the simple steps that offer you the best protection?

What should you do if you find a lump or notice other changes to your breasts?

What can you do now to reduce your breast cancer risk?

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® developed I AM THE CURE.® to teach Komen Race for the Cure® participants how to take an active role in their breast health.

I AM THE CURE.® is a rallying cry that is emotional, memorable and motivational. It speaks to the importance of early detection, since early detection is the best defense, and provides simple, action-oriented messages that Race participants can take home and put into action. Our goal is reach every Race participant with the life saving message of early detection and share the importance of a positive breast health program.

I AM THE CURE.® teaches people simple steps we can all do to take charge of our breast health.

• SEE YOUR DOCTOR, LEARN YOUR RISK! I AM THE CURE.®
• GET MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST EXAMS! I AM THE CURE.®
• NOTICE CHANGES TO YOUR BREASTS! I AM THE CURE.®
• START THE FIGHT BY LIVING RIGHT! I AM THE CURE.®

Please join us at the 11th Komen Race for the Cure® on Sunday, September 27, 2009 and pass the word!

For more information about the I AM THE CURE.® program and ways that you can personally get involved, please visit www.iamthecure.org.

Susan G. Komen Milwaukee Affiliate go to www.komenmilwaukee.org

Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

9200 W. Wisconsin Ave. Ste., Milwaukee, WI 53226

Phone: 414-805-2900 ·

Fax: 414-805-2877 ·

Email: information@komenmilwaukee.org

Brewers Honorary Bat Girl

Sunday, May 10, 2009: Today I went to the Brewers vs. Cubs game as the Milwaukee Brewers Honorary Bat Girl. I was selected by Major League Baseball and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I have been a Survivor for almost 4 years and this was definitely a highlight.

The day started with batting practice; my husband, Jarod, and I were right on the field behind home plate. It was awesome to see the field from a player’s view. After practice I hung out in the AirTran Landing Zone and met a lot of really great people, including Sue Rapp (Komen Milwaukee Board President), Virgie Hall (Bill Hall’s mother) and many Survivors and Co-Survivors. I was also able to catch up with some amazing women whom I had volunteered with on the Komen Race Board in past years. Bill Hall had purchased all of the tickets in the AirTran Landing Zone and donated them to Komen. His mother explained to me that a few years back he hit a game winning home run on Mother’s Day with a pink bat and after learning more about Komen he decided that it was a great organization for him to give back to. Thank you, Bill – You Rock!

Next, I was honored during the pre-game ceremony on the field. Komen was presented with a donation from Bill Hall and Brewers Charities. We were told that we would only be on the field for a few minutes, but it would feel like forever – and they were right, it seemed like all eyes were on us for a very long time. It was very cool and such an honor to represent Komen. I had so much fun and my family was very proud. I will never forget the cheering and overall excitement in the crowd. What a feeling!

The Brewers went on to play a really exciting game, but unfortunately lost. I love how certain players use pink bats and wear pink cleats and pink wrist bands. It is very cool to see a group of elite male athletes spreading awareness about breast cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The attention it draws is huge. Despite the ending score, I had an absolutely wonderful day and was on cloud nine.

Many thanks to Major League Baseball, Bill Hall and the Milwaukee Brewers, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure for selecting me as Honorary Bat Girl and making a dream come true! Special thanks to Jarod, Jean Schuch and all of my family and friends for voting.