Thousands Attend Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A survivor can be defined as a person regarded as resilient and courageous, someone who overcomes hardships and misfortune.

On Saturday, breast cancer survivors and their support teams gathered for the 13th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to raise money for the cause.

The race was held at 81st and Lewis.

"This is a sorority that really nobody wants to join, but once you're in it, you're in it for life," said LeAnne Taylor, a 6-year breast cancer survivor and News on 6 anchor.

It's a bond among 2.5 million women in the United States, all breast cancer survivors.

LeAnne Taylor says the bond between survivors, even if you've never met, is unbreakable.

"You know what it's like to feel the chemo in your veins. You know what it's like to have your head shaved. You know what it's like to have scars, battle scars, and so there is that connection of being a soldier in a fight. And it's so powerful, words can't even describe it," said LeAnne Taylor.

After days of rain, the sunshine finally broke through and nearly 12,000 people came together for one cause.

"I think it's so neat because it shows people who have just had breast cancer that you can still go on, that people live through it," said Melanie Vansickle, an 8-year breast cancer survivor.

The race participants attended on a promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever -- to find a cure.

"We're out here today for the people who are not able to run and race. Those who are going through chemo and may be diagnosed and their outlook is not as good. We're here to support them, raise money, and make a difference in their life, said LeAnne Taylor.

The final dollar amount raised hasn't been tallied yet, but up to 75% of the money raised will stay in Tulsa to fund community projects related to breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. The rest will support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program that funds breast cancer research.