Artist Behind Tulsa Race For The Cure's Butterfly Garden

It takes hundreds of volunteers for a successful Race for the Cure in Tulsa. 

People who work on race day, those who spend months planning and organizing the event.  But I want you to meet the woman behind a special part of this year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. 

Beverly Wissen spent much of her life as an art teacher in Tulsa Public Schools.  So 12 years ago, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was her students that helped her make it through.

"I started school and I had hardly any hair at all and I told them I'm going to lose my hair because I have breast cancer. And this is what I look like...I had this ugly little chest. I was just open and honest and they were some of my saving graces," said Beverly Wissen. 

Now after retirement, Beverly is using her talents to help others. She's in charge of creating these butterflies for breast cancer survivors. 

"I think as I create this and what I hope to bring to it is joy and grace and kind of honoring the people who are giving the butterfly as well as who it's for because I feel it's as healing to give these as it is to receive them," said Beverly Wissen. 

The butterflies are a fundraiser for this year's Komen Race for the Cure. People can order one for $25 and Beverly and her volunteers will handcraft a butterfly for each individual. 

For Beverly, she's looking forward to this year's race and creating these beautiful symbols of hope, courage and inspiration. Beverly created a butterfly for me. It features the things that helped me through my battle against breast cancer, my faith, my family and my friends. 

This is a great way to celebrate or honor those who have been touched by breast cancer. 

If you'd like to order one, visit the Race for the Cure web site. 

The Race for the Cure is coming up less than 5 weeks on Saturday September 27, 2014 starting at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa. You can form your own team or join mine. Just visit LeAnne's team page.