CANCER SURVIVOR JOINS RACE FOR CURE

With some 2,500 breast cancer survivors clad in pink T-shirts and caps, last weekend's National Race for the Cure created a flow of pink in the capital, reminiscent of April's cherry blossoms.

Among the participants was Spokane's Karen Warrick, walking the 5K course in the distinctive pink garb of a survivor. The survivors were among the 66,000-plus who walked or ran in the annual race. Nearly $3 million was raised this year for cancer research and treatment.

"I've done races at home," Warrick said, "but there's a spiritual piece to this. It gives me a sense of gratefulness to God. This is one of the gifts you get with this disease." When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986, Warrick faced a difficult course with no banners, balloons or fanfare. Only a few years before, that diagnosis would have carried a death sentence. Many women simply accepted their fate, remained quiet and slowly died. Warrick credits Betty Ford with placing the disease in the national consciousness. Ford used her position as First Lady in the mid-1970s to speak out about breast cancer and remove the taboo surrounding it. That ultimately saved lives by encouraging women to fight the disease and seek treatment, Warrick said. When Warrick learned she had breast cancer, she decided against radiation and chemotherapy. She had the tumor removed and drew strength from her support network of family and friends. And a positive attitude and a healthy dose of humor - especially Mel Brooks movies - contributed to her recovery. That mix forced the cancer into remission. It also endeared her to Mary Beth Nethercutt, who admired Warrick's courage. The two became friends. The Nethercutt family participated in Race for the Cure in 1995, the same year Mary Beth's husband, George, became Eastern Washington's congressman. When American Airlines sent Mary Beth Nethercutt a letter offering complimentary airfare for a constituent to attend this year's race, she chose Warrick. Political leaders have taken an active role in Race for the Cure since its beginning 10 years ago. Gretchen Poston, social secretary for President Carter, teamed up with Marilyn Quayle and Nina Hyde, fashion editor of the Washington Post, to create the race. More than 7,500 people competed the first year. It has since exploded into the world's largest registered 5K race, bringing tens of thousands of runners and walkers to the nation's capital each year to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for research. Al and Tipper Gore are this year's honorary co-chairs, and Nethercutt said many of the nation's leaders eagerly become involved. Most have probably been affected by cancer, she said. "That's all it takes to (make you) want to do whatever you can." She joined Warrick in walking the course in a crowd awash in pink. Some people creatively displayed the color in Race for the Cure. One woman ran with her two standard poodles on a leash. One was white, the other black, but each wore a pink bandanna as well as pink ribbons and leggings. Many participants had memorial placards naming relatives lost to breast cancer. One woman's memorial list contained eight names. Contingents from all over the world joined the race. Runners from Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, Mali and Myanmar waved signs and flags. Several women from Saudi Arabia wore baseball caps and head scarves. For Warrick, completing the race in survivors' pink brought a sense fulfillment. "I won't leave here untouched," she said.

Copyright 1999 Cowles Publishing Company
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