Breast Cancer Survivor Looks Forward To This Year's Komen Race For The Cure

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. It's estimated more than 27,000 will be diagnosed this year.

It's something no one ever thinks can happen to them. It came as a complete shock to Shalise Jordan.

This time last year, Shalise Jordan was in the battle for her life. She had found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"You know I cried a little bit but not a whole lot and I stayed positive the whole time. I didn't let it get me down at all. Every now and then my mind would wander off but I will snap back and I was like no, it's not going to get me. I'm going to get it," said Shalise Jordan.

Surgery and then chemo was the treatment that was recommended, probably the hardest was losing her hair.

"Cause there was mornings I'd wake up and walk past the mirror and see a bald head and I would bust out in tears and I'd come to work and they'd say you are beautiful, it's ok you're gorgeous and so you know me I start rocking the bald head," said Shalise Jordan.

Shalise counted on family and friends to get her through. She says her daughter was her rock and her co-workers at TU made the journey more bearable and helped her to see the big picture.

"My support team was like you're going through this for a reason, you're going through this for a reason and I'm like, OK so from there I'm like OK, I'm doing this for a reason. God's putting me through this for a reason and here I am," said Shalise Jordan.

Shalise was diligent in getting her yearly mammogram and doing monthly breast self-exams so when she felt a lump she knew it was critical to get in and get checked. The tumor was small and had not spread. She knows she was lucky. Now she's determined to use her experience to help others.

"Go get your mammogram. Do you self-breast exam. That's very important. Early detection can save your life," said Shalise Jordan.

Shalise is looking forward to the Komen Race for the Cure. Last year, she was still going through chemotherapy, but this year she's cancer free and grateful for a new lease on life.

We are five weeks away from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and sign up has begun. The race is Saturday, September 28 at ONEOK Field.

There's something for everyone from the serious runners and the timed 5K, a 5K walk or a one mile walk or run. And for survivors like Shalise, there's a special celebration, the survivor parade.

Shalise will have her own team and you can start your own team too or you can join mine. Go to NewsOn6.com to register.