A few years ago, my mom and I participated in the Dallas Komen Race for the Cure in celebration of her being breast cancer free for five years.  My mom is generally not one to share her story since she tends to be more private, however, we felt that this was an important milestone, and we wanted to share it together as a mother-daughter team in the race. 

We are not ‘morning people,’ so when the alarm went off before the sun came up, we texted each other to make sure we were both still on board.   And we were!  We arrived at NorthPark Center as the sun was rising, and the sky was the most beautiful shade of pink.  A cool breeze filled the air and carried along with it the high-energy music that made us forget exactly how early it was.  As we made our way to the starting line, decked out in our full-on pink ensembles, the feeling was one of courage, hope and perseverance. 

We certainly were not at the front of the heap as we navigated the 5K course at our own leisurely pace (and maybe even skipped a leg).  But we enjoyed being together on that beautiful fall day and felt inspired by the many individuals and teams of people we saw along the way.  Breast cancer can seem like a personal battle and in many ways it is. But when you are surrounded by so many people rallying for their own friends and loved ones, it becomes clear that this is something we are all fighting together.

The 20th anniversary of Dallas Komen Race for the Cure at NorthPark Center will take place this Saturday, October 18.  To participate, register online at http://komen-dallas.org/events/komen-dallas-race-for-the-cure/, by phone at 214.750.7223, or in person at NorthPark Center.